tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53856298200775366522024-03-13T09:06:19.968-07:00the.arys - gary and maryUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger403125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-23216350902821299612014-12-16T13:08:00.000-08:002014-12-16T13:08:04.149-08:002014-11-23 Goodbye to the Everglades, and a visit to Big Cypress National RefugeLeaving Everglades National Park, we stopped at the Royal Palm Visitor Center and walked the short but amazing <a href="http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/anhinga-trail.htm" target="_blank">Anhinga Trail</a>. We stopped in here years ago when passing through on a trip to Key West - and I remain convinced...if you have time for nothing more than a quick stop in the everglades, this is the place to stop! It is just 4 miles after the entrance to Everglades National Park and when it comes to seeing wildlife, this path is rich, plus you get a good taste of a sawgrass marsh and the vast "river of grass". Birds, fish, turtles, and many many alligators can be seen on this short, very easy, paved and boardwalk path.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6JFUs8iCYc/VJCOd1KTPFI/AAAAAAAAJuU/I9dffr2AigM/s1600/2014-11-28%2B014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6JFUs8iCYc/VJCOd1KTPFI/AAAAAAAAJuU/I9dffr2AigM/s1600/2014-11-28%2B014.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Anhinga bird seems plentiful in south Florida</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">big softshell turtle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bk0FC7fPWi4/VJCOu3AoFWI/AAAAAAAAJuw/JFa9NaLuGSA/s1600/2014-11-28%2B030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bk0FC7fPWi4/VJCOu3AoFWI/AAAAAAAAJuw/JFa9NaLuGSA/s1600/2014-11-28%2B030.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's just a little guy...sometimes you can spot a dozen gators or more at once in this spot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Blue Heron</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florida Gar</td></tr>
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After the brief stop at Royal Palm, we hopped on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamiami_Trail" target="_blank">Tamiami Trail</a> across south Florida from Miami on the east to Naples on the west, cutting through the everglades and Big Cypress National Refuge. The rangers at <a href="http://www.nps.gov/bicy/index.htm" target="_blank">Big Cypress</a> had told us we could drop our rig in their parking lot to drive the Loop Road. This was quick way to see a bit of the preserve without adding a lot of miles to our trip. Turns out, the loop road was quite easy and could have been driven with the RV in tow. The scenery is similar to what you are already seeing on the highway, but the small Loop Road allows you to take your time, pull over and admire the serenity and beauty of the cypress swamp.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/fnst" target="_blank">Florida National Scenic Trail</a> actually has its southern terminus here in the preserve - the southern most 28 miles goes through pinelands, hardwood hammocks, and cypress swamp (sometimes waist deep). I think it would really be fun to do the 6-mile stretch between the Tamiami Trail and Loop Road, but you need to have the right gear - this is not for the casual hiker! Plus we were heading to our overnight spot closer to Fort Myers to explore Sanibel area the next day, so no time for hiking.</div>
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This was a "small world" day. Not only did we run into a friend from Jolly Roger in the morning as we were leaving Flamingo campground in the everglades; now after our scenic drive through Big Cypress, we returned to the visitor center to hook up the rig and found a note from another Jolly Roger friend who had been passing by and saw our rig there.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gators are everywhere along Tamiami Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cypress swamps are magical in their stillness</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water is so clear and lovely...care to sit on the edge and dangle our feet?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oF8RpvToI7c/VJCPYPC78aI/AAAAAAAAJvo/xliyBx-8xbc/s1600/2014-11-28%2B071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oF8RpvToI7c/VJCPYPC78aI/AAAAAAAAJvo/xliyBx-8xbc/s1600/2014-11-28%2B071.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">below, a mirror - and above, cypress filled with bromeliads</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pather Crossing signs line the highway; many are struck and killed each year</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-1758689800865126372014-12-01T13:52:00.001-08:002014-12-01T14:54:24.302-08:002014-11-22 Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail - paddling is the "must-do" in the evergladesOur last day in the everglades, we were very lucky to go out on the free ranger-lead canoe trip at <a href="http://www.paddleflorida.net/everglades-nine-mile-pond-paddle.htm" target="_blank">Nine Mile Pond</a>. Despite intermittent pouring rain, it was a lot of fun. Paddled through mangrove tunnels, sawgrass prairie, and several ponds. At the end of the trail, we saw one really big alligator, but did not see the 13-foot crocodile who resides in that pond. Great experience and would love to do more!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IV_pT0O9Bxw/VHzcuCXSf6I/AAAAAAAAJsM/piuKOMUf_3o/s1600/2014-11-22%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IV_pT0O9Bxw/VHzcuCXSf6I/AAAAAAAAJsM/piuKOMUf_3o/s1600/2014-11-22%2B001.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The waiting vultures - the ranger warned us all to move our vehicles out of the Nine Mile Pond parking lot onto the main road - apparently the vultures will have a hayday stripping all the rubber from your windows, but they leave the cars on the roadway alone.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to launch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCNT28m4eGI/VHzcwc_bptI/AAAAAAAAJsc/wU-xg3zhezc/s1600/2014-11-22%2B005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCNT28m4eGI/VHzcwc_bptI/AAAAAAAAJsc/wU-xg3zhezc/s1600/2014-11-22%2B005.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through the mangroves - the largest continuous system of mangroves in the world</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_pRh33jArQ/VHzdXJYZ_hI/AAAAAAAAJs0/-A38l14atyk/s1600/2014-11-22%2B006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_pRh33jArQ/VHzdXJYZ_hI/AAAAAAAAJs0/-A38l14atyk/s1600/2014-11-22%2B006.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ranger pointed out plant and animal species along the way</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">listening intently</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sAtex7yJr0U/VHzdVI_n31I/AAAAAAAAJso/K2jINAM65gs/s1600/2014-11-22%2B008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sAtex7yJr0U/VHzdVI_n31I/AAAAAAAAJso/K2jINAM65gs/s1600/2014-11-22%2B008.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through sawgrass prairie - the "River of Grass"</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WyLn9fClqC0/VHzd698JdeI/AAAAAAAAJs8/oTYCh6EQVnA/s1600/2014-11-22%2B009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WyLn9fClqC0/VHzd698JdeI/AAAAAAAAJs8/oTYCh6EQVnA/s1600/2014-11-22%2B009.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddling through the thicker grasses was like riding your bicycle with the brakes on</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCosfvLPW6Q/VHzd7gp8vgI/AAAAAAAAJtE/l7LU3tiEabs/s1600/2014-11-22%2B013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCosfvLPW6Q/VHzd7gp8vgI/AAAAAAAAJtE/l7LU3tiEabs/s1600/2014-11-22%2B013.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pouring rain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h7gJmtvmSWw/VHzeXBjkNuI/AAAAAAAAJtY/iS_wJRUUACM/s1600/2014-11-22%2B015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h7gJmtvmSWw/VHzeXBjkNuI/AAAAAAAAJtY/iS_wJRUUACM/s1600/2014-11-22%2B015.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It poured intermittently through about half our paddle</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-61866805419763933892014-12-01T12:54:00.000-08:002014-12-01T13:13:22.571-08:002014-11-19 Goodbye to the keys! To Flamingo Campground in Florida Everglades National ParkWe finally are going to stay in this national park...four nights at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamingo,_Monroe_County,_Florida" target="_blank">Flamingo Campground</a>. The <a href="http://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm" target="_blank">Florida Everglades</a> have been designated a <a href="http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/everglades.html" target="_blank">World Heritage Site</a> and an<a href="http://usparks.about.com/blparkbiosphere.htm" target="_blank"> International Biosphere Reserve</a>. This park is incredibly vast and unique, and a home to many endangered species that are found nowhere else. <br />
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For our visit, we were very lucky to have a cold front and wet weather, instead of the opposite. The rangers told us the bugs were not nearly as bad as usual. I was being very careful too...<br />
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Still, I managed to get over a dozen mosquito bites on one foolish hike. Wore a long-sleeve shirt and heavy blue jeans, and thought I was adequately sprayed; got no bites on my hands, face, and neck but...I failed to spray my SHIRT, and they bit right through it, all over my arms. Cursed little blood suckers. Avoid grassy trails in the keys!<br />
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We took the inflatable kayak out on Florida Bay, attended a couple of very informative ranger talks, and also did a free ranger-lead canoe trip (they provide the canoes - what a deal) which was the highlight of our visit. Amazingly, did not have mosquito problems when paddling - between the wind, rain, mosquito fish, and lovely bladder wort, the mosquitos are minimal out on the water.<br />
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Ran into another Jolly Roger friend the morning we were pulling out of Flamingo. He was on his way into the keys and we were on our way out!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our camp site at Flamingo - practically had the place to ourselves</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--8hSEqIt0qk/VHzMc9gdZoI/AAAAAAAAJpY/u4FKwOXVyTI/s1600/2014-11-20%2B004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--8hSEqIt0qk/VHzMc9gdZoI/AAAAAAAAJpY/u4FKwOXVyTI/s1600/2014-11-20%2B004.JPG" height="496" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Between Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma in 2005, the <a href="http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2008/09/lost-hurricanes-flamingo-lodge-everglades-national-park-will-be-hard-replace" target="_blank">Flamingo Lodge</a> and cabins are gone; the park is still repairing other damage as well</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NnUIV17URfU/VHzMn-qcFSI/AAAAAAAAJp0/QPOgObr0Gx8/s1600/2014-11-20%2B012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NnUIV17URfU/VHzMn-qcFSI/AAAAAAAAJp0/QPOgObr0Gx8/s1600/2014-11-20%2B012.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddling out of the marina, lots of bird life in Florida Bay</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq0oFJg7pI4/VHzMkY9Dq8I/AAAAAAAAJpk/VHEU868p5TI/s1600/2014-11-20%2B015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq0oFJg7pI4/VHzMkY9Dq8I/AAAAAAAAJpk/VHEU868p5TI/s1600/2014-11-20%2B015.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A night heron and, on the left - a<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roseate_spoonbill" target="_blank"> Roseate Spoonbill</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JEFlefigcY/VHzMm3ooB3I/AAAAAAAAJps/dwjLy5cDfsk/s1600/2014-11-20%2B017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JEFlefigcY/VHzMm3ooB3I/AAAAAAAAJps/dwjLy5cDfsk/s1600/2014-11-20%2B017.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Roseate Spoonbills seemed shy - it was difficult to get a good shot of them!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSaOmnjQ-Ms/VHzMpyUVvdI/AAAAAAAAJp8/jglvBO-hED8/s1600/2014-11-20%2B018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSaOmnjQ-Ms/VHzMpyUVvdI/AAAAAAAAJp8/jglvBO-hED8/s1600/2014-11-20%2B018.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ibis and Spoonbill together</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAogeY01ejc/VHzMz_2fCbI/AAAAAAAAJqQ/ZE19dPyIatk/s1600/2014-11-20%2B025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAogeY01ejc/VHzMz_2fCbI/AAAAAAAAJqQ/ZE19dPyIatk/s1600/2014-11-20%2B025.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OBo9vg7I15I/VHzMwTfl8kI/AAAAAAAAJqE/3m0UC7CGZk4/s1600/2014-11-20%2B036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OBo9vg7I15I/VHzMwTfl8kI/AAAAAAAAJqE/3m0UC7CGZk4/s1600/2014-11-20%2B036.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to get a flying shot, as their wings really show the pink!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAPCyI21bl4/VHzMzkRNQvI/AAAAAAAAJqM/q2R36PegtiE/s1600/2014-11-20%2B039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAPCyI21bl4/VHzMzkRNQvI/AAAAAAAAJqM/q2R36PegtiE/s1600/2014-11-20%2B039.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uy6mDGU45O4/VHzM_EfYejI/AAAAAAAAJqk/JTIDJgpbEfM/s1600/2014-11-20%2B044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uy6mDGU45O4/VHzM_EfYejI/AAAAAAAAJqk/JTIDJgpbEfM/s1600/2014-11-20%2B044.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning of the manmade Buttonwood Canal at Flamingo Marina, leading to Coot Bay and eventually to Whitewater Bay and 10,000 islands, paddling trails all the way up to Everglades City</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ygjL54GjD1M/VHzM45Zo6oI/AAAAAAAAJqc/C_R-yl9Zn7o/s1600/2014-11-20%2B049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ygjL54GjD1M/VHzM45Zo6oI/AAAAAAAAJqc/C_R-yl9Zn7o/s1600/2014-11-20%2B049.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osprey are everywhere - a master bird of prey!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQ9Fhh_fS3I/VHzNE4z2-EI/AAAAAAAAJqs/p3yFkpL0qAc/s1600/2014-11-20%2B052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQ9Fhh_fS3I/VHzNE4z2-EI/AAAAAAAAJqs/p3yFkpL0qAc/s1600/2014-11-20%2B052.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Done paddling for the day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6d5JPNIHJc/VHzNUEiiT7I/AAAAAAAAJq0/q5COQ80sl5U/s1600/2014-11-20%2B053a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6d5JPNIHJc/VHzNUEiiT7I/AAAAAAAAJq0/q5COQ80sl5U/s1600/2014-11-20%2B053a.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here's where I went wrong...big mistake...HUGE</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cNapOHYu7c/VHzNXf1NCAI/AAAAAAAAJq8/rct_cNnRx2w/s1600/2014-11-20%2B054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cNapOHYu7c/VHzNXf1NCAI/AAAAAAAAJq8/rct_cNnRx2w/s1600/2014-11-20%2B054.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">short grassy trail around a pond</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HEliR66Vj2s/VHzNWnRG7dI/AAAAAAAAJq4/IkXuDgdsqNw/s1600/2014-11-20%2B055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HEliR66Vj2s/VHzNWnRG7dI/AAAAAAAAJq4/IkXuDgdsqNw/s1600/2014-11-20%2B055.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">walkiing in the grass kicks up the mosquitos and they are HUNGRY!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSIusdw97nE/VHzNkhXcnII/AAAAAAAAJrU/IVYf6ePF0LU/s1600/2014-11-20%2B057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSIusdw97nE/VHzNkhXcnII/AAAAAAAAJrU/IVYf6ePF0LU/s1600/2014-11-20%2B057.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I calculate I got at least 3 mosquito bites for each picture....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E0T-zU_IRUg/VHzNbB-87OI/AAAAAAAAJrM/3UeGZ4DTqOA/s1600/2014-11-20%2B063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E0T-zU_IRUg/VHzNbB-87OI/AAAAAAAAJrM/3UeGZ4DTqOA/s1600/2014-11-20%2B063.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not really worth the price</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jN3XNlweVEE/VHzNxRKrQlI/AAAAAAAAJrk/YmQIE7WIpEU/s1600/2014-11-20%2B067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jN3XNlweVEE/VHzNxRKrQlI/AAAAAAAAJrk/YmQIE7WIpEU/s1600/2014-11-20%2B067.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much better trail - paved from the campground to the visitor center, along the waterfront</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DbowV2GoSFE/VHzNtuGYoZI/AAAAAAAAJrc/S_VypIQWX18/s1600/2014-11-20%2B068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DbowV2GoSFE/VHzNtuGYoZI/AAAAAAAAJrc/S_VypIQWX18/s1600/2014-11-20%2B068.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8BM1XtKagh0/VHzNzHvLSOI/AAAAAAAAJrs/4S5Mwzqa0aA/s1600/2014-11-20%2B070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8BM1XtKagh0/VHzNzHvLSOI/AAAAAAAAJrs/4S5Mwzqa0aA/s1600/2014-11-20%2B070.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKkrSye02wM/VHzN5GJJ-ZI/AAAAAAAAJr0/BvO5o9ePpRY/s1600/2014-11-20%2B071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKkrSye02wM/VHzN5GJJ-ZI/AAAAAAAAJr0/BvO5o9ePpRY/s1600/2014-11-20%2B071.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osprey surveying its territory from the nest</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNcXGsCV9fU/VHzN7Pgqx1I/AAAAAAAAJr8/Pq5jEc1iQZ4/s1600/2014-11-20%2B075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNcXGsCV9fU/VHzN7Pgqx1I/AAAAAAAAJr8/Pq5jEc1iQZ4/s1600/2014-11-20%2B075.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the ever-present vultures, and some brave tent campers (couldn't pay me enough to tent camp here, on the grass...not a chance)</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-19806893695544203722014-12-01T11:19:00.000-08:002014-12-01T11:19:06.737-08:00Our last 2 nights in the keys further south - Sunshine Key near Bahia Honda SPFor our last 2 nights in the keys, we headed further south to Sunshine Key. It was hot and muggy our first day; we spent the morning at Bahia Honda and saw dozens of rays and sharks in the water - they were huge! We also stopped in to visit friends from the summer in Maine, Donny and Pat, and Bob and Donna, who are wintering at <a href="http://koa.com/campgrounds/sugarloaf-key/" target="_blank">Sugarloaf KOA</a>. They were building decking around the rental airstreams - really cute! Also, the pool / hot tub area with bar / restaurant were really nice... Bob and Donna were having a soak after a long day working. :-)<br />
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On the way home, having past by many times and never stopped (because we always were on our way to Key West), we finally spent some time in the <a href="http://www.fws.gov/nationalkeydeer/" target="_blank">National Key Deer Refuge</a> on Big Pine Key. We stopped at<a href="http://www.florida-keys-vacation.com/Blue-Hole.html#axzz3KfdsZZLk" target="_blank"> Blue Hole</a> where a rock quarry has filled with fresh water to create a very rare fresh water pond (salt water down low, fresh water on top); there are two alligators (another rarity in the keys!) who live there - in this environment which I thought might be too hot for alligators! (In general, Florida Everglades is the furthest south you would find alligators, and also the furthest north you would find crocodiles. I wondered if they placed the gators here, but the lady at the visitor center said no, they got here on their own. As evening approached, the "friendly" <a href="http://www.floridakeys.com/lowerkeys/keydeer.htm" target="_blank">Key Deer</a> were everywhere; sometimes called "toy deer", they are small and delicate, average height only 24 - 32". At one time, they numbered less than 50 - they have rebounded due to protection and the creation of the refuge; now there are estimated to be 600 to 800. Now they'll have to find a way to control the population?<br />
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Second day, a major cold front had moved in...it was cold, windy, and rainy. We spent the day hanging around <a href="http://www.thousandtrails.com/florida/sunshine-key-rv-resort-marina/" target="_blank">Sunshine Key</a>, which was actually much nicer than we expected. Our spot was just one row behind waterfront; also, I found that I prefer the sand / crushed shell surface instead of grass - it seems to be less buggy. The waterfront sites are HUGE, the size of 3 sites at most parks, and there are lots of seasonals with big thatchroof cabanas and tiki bars, really nice little community. We would most definitely stay here again! Only thing missing is a hot tub...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NkIlNMgdg74/VHy0JwM1o0I/AAAAAAAAJmM/ZH_YJYSy7jE/s1600/2014-11-17_11-51-47_513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NkIlNMgdg74/VHy0JwM1o0I/AAAAAAAAJmM/ZH_YJYSy7jE/s1600/2014-11-17_11-51-47_513.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our spot at Sunshine Key - water view for half price, not bad!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqwuwrQ8FZE/VHy0QLDDQZI/AAAAAAAAJmc/bJ7p9uKbb-g/s1600/2014-11-17_11-52-56_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqwuwrQ8FZE/VHy0QLDDQZI/AAAAAAAAJmc/bJ7p9uKbb-g/s1600/2014-11-17_11-52-56_640.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">across from our site at Sunshine Key</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5kr22c6H_s/VHy0Kt3CYbI/AAAAAAAAJmQ/Sld77eKm6dw/s1600/2014-11-17_11-53-30_932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5kr22c6H_s/VHy0Kt3CYbI/AAAAAAAAJmQ/Sld77eKm6dw/s1600/2014-11-17_11-53-30_932.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge from Ohio Key to Missouri Key</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gQOvRpkRMME/VHy0cyy1aeI/AAAAAAAAJm0/RakzQimVy3s/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gQOvRpkRMME/VHy0cyy1aeI/AAAAAAAAJm0/RakzQimVy3s/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B003.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bahia Honda State Park is the next key down from Ohio Key (where Sunshine Key RV Resort is)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftLx2abgJoo/VHy0c6D2L7I/AAAAAAAAJm4/ALBjn6uevso/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftLx2abgJoo/VHy0c6D2L7I/AAAAAAAAJm4/ALBjn6uevso/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B007.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down at the channel from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia_Honda_Rail_Bridge" target="_blank">old rail bridge</a>, Bahia Honda</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-da-4YCRbmdU/VHy0YW0bGII/AAAAAAAAJmk/YRmQxPBBno4/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-da-4YCRbmdU/VHy0YW0bGII/AAAAAAAAJmk/YRmQxPBBno4/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B014.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of dozens of rays we watched from the bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cs16O1ayksk/VHy0cNSRdyI/AAAAAAAAJms/8IUfMJW4qUk/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cs16O1ayksk/VHy0cNSRdyI/AAAAAAAAJms/8IUfMJW4qUk/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B015.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This ray was huge, at least 5-6' wingspan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oP0hWdwRdHs/VHy0sFwxx3I/AAAAAAAAJnM/V7dsU3z5Pbw/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oP0hWdwRdHs/VHy0sFwxx3I/AAAAAAAAJnM/V7dsU3z5Pbw/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B021.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water was so clear, these folks in the kayaks had to be seeing a lot - what a blast!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YlNsIxRUAiM/VHy0g82s8eI/AAAAAAAAJnE/HWqVGltNbss/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YlNsIxRUAiM/VHy0g82s8eI/AAAAAAAAJnE/HWqVGltNbss/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B026.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were seeing dozens of sharks also - some looked like 10 footers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Sugarloaf, the "southernmost" KOA, about 20 miles before Key West</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9R4gHnAjg4Q/VHy1FvEdIiI/AAAAAAAAJn4/U3ArDAnh27g/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9R4gHnAjg4Q/VHy1FvEdIiI/AAAAAAAAJn4/U3ArDAnh27g/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B035.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Hole in the Key Deer Refuge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTCVLvolh9M/VHy08dO2unI/AAAAAAAAJnk/kjvqFz-w2m0/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTCVLvolh9M/VHy08dO2unI/AAAAAAAAJnk/kjvqFz-w2m0/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B036.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alligator in the keys!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0WCmVXZZgCA/VHy1ERviy6I/AAAAAAAAJns/RxJVcEy9Uvw/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0WCmVXZZgCA/VHy1ERviy6I/AAAAAAAAJns/RxJVcEy9Uvw/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B038.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on the viewing platform at Blue Hole</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oSY_KMoYYlY/VHy1FAn3gSI/AAAAAAAAJnw/vy3l2kZKHNU/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oSY_KMoYYlY/VHy1FAn3gSI/AAAAAAAAJnw/vy3l2kZKHNU/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B046.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on Big Pine Key</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLvbwBvJW6A/VHy1aNAmLFI/AAAAAAAAJoM/t3BW7AsTxLQ/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLvbwBvJW6A/VHy1aNAmLFI/AAAAAAAAJoM/t3BW7AsTxLQ/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B050.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Key Deer</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yDE1xmngY28/VHy1dox9fWI/AAAAAAAAJoU/2a_S6-4Qxi4/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yDE1xmngY28/VHy1dox9fWI/AAAAAAAAJoU/2a_S6-4Qxi4/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B055.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-jCUeUmJK8/VHy1W2ms5tI/AAAAAAAAJoE/xuuZPNf2rpM/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-jCUeUmJK8/VHy1W2ms5tI/AAAAAAAAJoE/xuuZPNf2rpM/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B064.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching the last of sunset, back at Sunshine Key</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8WYMy82AWI/VHy1nl418dI/AAAAAAAAJoc/imTbtx73c4E/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8WYMy82AWI/VHy1nl418dI/AAAAAAAAJoc/imTbtx73c4E/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B067.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rU8ds0Yyask/VHy1tZ7SO-I/AAAAAAAAJos/bV3h9O_pS74/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rU8ds0Yyask/VHy1tZ7SO-I/AAAAAAAAJos/bV3h9O_pS74/s1600/2014-11-18%2BFL%2B070.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This park has water on 3 sides</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPoA_iFE75I/VHy1oa5eQiI/AAAAAAAAJok/TIuKjgbzDFQ/s1600/2014-11-18_09-08-17_743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPoA_iFE75I/VHy1oa5eQiI/AAAAAAAAJok/TIuKjgbzDFQ/s1600/2014-11-18_09-08-17_743.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the size of these waterfront sites!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vb1qBgM5HOY/VHy11RicT4I/AAAAAAAAJpA/CTavy7B3YBQ/s1600/2014-11-18_10-00-03_351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vb1qBgM5HOY/VHy11RicT4I/AAAAAAAAJpA/CTavy7B3YBQ/s1600/2014-11-18_10-00-03_351.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good time to stay out of the water - Portuguese Man o War Jellyfish</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZObYbCMF9o4/VHy1x1D9TvI/AAAAAAAAJo0/9XkF5HkFV5E/s1600/2014-11-18_10-00-29_917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZObYbCMF9o4/VHy1x1D9TvI/AAAAAAAAJo0/9XkF5HkFV5E/s1600/2014-11-18_10-00-29_917.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXhqJxOhUlc/VHy11ZSgeHI/AAAAAAAAJo8/OVWQvj7Q1P0/s1600/2014-11-18_14-06-48_292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXhqJxOhUlc/VHy11ZSgeHI/AAAAAAAAJo8/OVWQvj7Q1P0/s1600/2014-11-18_14-06-48_292.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">windy stormy rainy day</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-68019067783741717842014-11-30T20:06:00.001-08:002014-12-01T11:23:20.827-08:00Fiesta Key and Jolly RogerUpon leaving the timeshare in Orlando, we were reserved in Thousand Trails Orlando (Clermont) where we will be spending quite a bit of time this winter. Because the half price discounts offered via Passport America are not accepted after November in most parks in the keys, we realized we should make a trip down there while the discount is good. So off we went for 9 nights in the keys. <br />
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On the way down, we stopped in at John Pennekamp State Park and spent a couple hours there. Then we spent our first couple of nights at Fiesta Key. Some things about this park were very nice - they put us in a spot just behind waterfront - not bad for the half price deal. Their restrooms had been remodeled, the restaurant / bar area and many other areas of the park were in the process of being upgraded. Nice to see Encore is working on it! However, there were some areas that really looked run down, including the sad little hot tubs (new layer of paint probably isn't gonna help much). We did enjoy our stay, had several really nice neighbors including a guy who clued me in to using Shea Butter to keep off the no-see-ums. It works - seems to be a real solution for noseeums - awesome!<br />
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I also like this area for the Florida Overseas Heritage Trail which ran uninteruppted all the way north to the Channel 5 Bridge and all the way south through Layton and Long Key State Park...I was able to do a 6 mile walk easily without ever having to walk on the highway. <br />
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During our stay at Jolly Roger, we donated blood at Dolphin Research Center and spent the rest of the morning seeing our dolphin friends. We also visited our old favorite restaurants including Sparky's (still has the 25 cent wings and shrimp, but wasn't as good this time!) and Kings Seafood (which still has outstanding and very inexpensive seafood soup). We also got together with some Jolly Roger friends for happy hour at Cabana Breezes (they also have 25 cent wings and shrimp now, and a really good band) in Key Colony Beach. It was great to catch up with many of our friends at Jolly Roger! Sorry we missed a few who haven't arrived yet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DhTySZJvVic/VHvbxV7UzrI/AAAAAAAAJh0/fMNWim9BLPE/s1600/2014-11a%2B284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DhTySZJvVic/VHvbxV7UzrI/AAAAAAAAJh0/fMNWim9BLPE/s1600/2014-11a%2B284.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rE82amFZ4nA/VHvb6pZnDwI/AAAAAAAAJh8/zW5DfaOmuss/s1600/2014-11a%2B286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rE82amFZ4nA/VHvb6pZnDwI/AAAAAAAAJh8/zW5DfaOmuss/s1600/2014-11a%2B286.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yOADNarxoc8/VHvb7XnT2jI/AAAAAAAAJiE/qKXVwmY7pFI/s1600/2014-11a%2B288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yOADNarxoc8/VHvb7XnT2jI/AAAAAAAAJiE/qKXVwmY7pFI/s1600/2014-11a%2B288.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary just has to get that bobber!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IvZtZwLZRQo/VHvcLBV0v1I/AAAAAAAAJiU/K9hY8Hxn6Zw/s1600/2014-11a%2B296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IvZtZwLZRQo/VHvcLBV0v1I/AAAAAAAAJiU/K9hY8Hxn6Zw/s1600/2014-11a%2B296.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off his bobber as we walked the Wild Tamarind Trail</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ehn9H_P6ssY/VHvcA3lMiKI/AAAAAAAAJiM/ohRAQ5fijI0/s1600/2014-11a%2B301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ehn9H_P6ssY/VHvcA3lMiKI/AAAAAAAAJiM/ohRAQ5fijI0/s1600/2014-11a%2B301.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MW-ywwK21jI/VHvcMtNhS7I/AAAAAAAAJic/EK2YZxnkx-o/s1600/2014-11a%2B305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MW-ywwK21jI/VHvcMtNhS7I/AAAAAAAAJic/EK2YZxnkx-o/s1600/2014-11a%2B305.JPG" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice long entrance road into Fiesta Key, and they've given it a facelift</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqV-giR3R08/VHvcN5yUswI/AAAAAAAAJik/baeUReqmYU8/s1600/2014-11a%2B308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqV-giR3R08/VHvcN5yUswI/AAAAAAAAJik/baeUReqmYU8/s1600/2014-11a%2B308.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All new beach furniture</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I49G-BdQ25c/VHvceVjMz2I/AAAAAAAAJi0/B-Lo4iEEbvk/s1600/2014-11a%2B312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I49G-BdQ25c/VHvceVjMz2I/AAAAAAAAJi0/B-Lo4iEEbvk/s1600/2014-11a%2B312.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The swimming / snorkel area was pretty full of seagrasses during our stay, due to the wind</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LL0qJqClm2E/VHvcgvqpiHI/AAAAAAAAJi8/BYstPjjdu7w/s1600/2014-11a%2B313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LL0qJqClm2E/VHvcgvqpiHI/AAAAAAAAJi8/BYstPjjdu7w/s1600/2014-11a%2B313.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot tub not operational, they are repainting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWgDDQLzSuo/VHvcvo1Cc0I/AAAAAAAAJjQ/immlVunX5ow/s1600/2014-11a%2B314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWgDDQLzSuo/VHvcvo1Cc0I/AAAAAAAAJjQ/immlVunX5ow/s1600/2014-11a%2B314.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bar / restaurant was closed, but you could still sit at the tables on the waterfront</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Czbkp4zP30A/VHvcrotxUrI/AAAAAAAAJjE/FZpA-7GZK90/s1600/2014-11a%2B315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Czbkp4zP30A/VHvcrotxUrI/AAAAAAAAJjE/FZpA-7GZK90/s1600/2014-11a%2B315.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their pool area has a fantastic water view all around</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJiE3sucgkY/VHvcvqPSToI/AAAAAAAAJjM/lMTEXh69ehQ/s1600/2014-11a%2B318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJiE3sucgkY/VHvcvqPSToI/AAAAAAAAJjM/lMTEXh69ehQ/s1600/2014-11a%2B318.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mouth of the harbor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXaxBXOOG8E/VHvc9geCYbI/AAAAAAAAJjc/Vt-ZGU5qpDs/s1600/2014-11a%2B319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXaxBXOOG8E/VHvc9geCYbI/AAAAAAAAJjc/Vt-ZGU5qpDs/s1600/2014-11a%2B319.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking from the pool area over their very large harbor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WqiNPJoXMrQ/VHvdAUu-XcI/AAAAAAAAJjk/UZ4tGfS1Snw/s1600/2014-11a%2B320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WqiNPJoXMrQ/VHvdAUu-XcI/AAAAAAAAJjk/UZ4tGfS1Snw/s1600/2014-11a%2B320.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a large pool with an 8-ft deep end</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This harbor can accomodate some pretty large boats</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFcm-iiMBRk/VHvdOBT1AOI/AAAAAAAAJj8/28NsgAhZ4C4/s1600/2014-11a%2B324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFcm-iiMBRk/VHvdOBT1AOI/AAAAAAAAJj8/28NsgAhZ4C4/s1600/2014-11a%2B324.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfront and pavillion near the premium sites</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jF1aE1x428w/VHvdpffP0XI/AAAAAAAAJks/eGh3sQEhpsM/s1600/2014-11a%2B333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jF1aE1x428w/VHvdpffP0XI/AAAAAAAAJks/eGh3sQEhpsM/s1600/2014-11a%2B333.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One entire section was full of trailers for a reality TV show filming</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-THsDUyuKLKc/VHvdm4qhRuI/AAAAAAAAJkk/rWjs2cQ5sPA/s1600/2014-11a%2B343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-THsDUyuKLKc/VHvdm4qhRuI/AAAAAAAAJkk/rWjs2cQ5sPA/s1600/2014-11a%2B343.JPG" height="320" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiesta Key is almost directly south of Flamingo in the Everglades</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vl9DSK_Xu9s/VHvj5iFEI4I/AAAAAAAAJlE/WQKqWxiyB4I/s1600/2014-11-10_17-53-44_39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vl9DSK_Xu9s/VHvj5iFEI4I/AAAAAAAAJlE/WQKqWxiyB4I/s1600/2014-11-10_17-53-44_39.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one row back from the waterfront</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gPS9qZT78l8/VHvj_E3aJDI/AAAAAAAAJlU/nGJGMv7Chpk/s1600/2014-11-10_17-47-15_883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gPS9qZT78l8/VHvj_E3aJDI/AAAAAAAAJlU/nGJGMv7Chpk/s1600/2014-11-10_17-47-15_883.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice sunset over the harbor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jv0krLGgxIA/VHvj8-u5VWI/AAAAAAAAJlM/tEGMJt-SR8s/s1600/2014-11-11_10-17-30_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jv0krLGgxIA/VHvj8-u5VWI/AAAAAAAAJlM/tEGMJt-SR8s/s1600/2014-11-11_10-17-30_8.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This vulture adds a special touch to the "Drive Carefully" sign</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UiBfrb1ZLt4/VHvkCbAUuOI/AAAAAAAAJlg/l_HKHfQJoYs/s1600/2014-11-13_15-56-48_200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UiBfrb1ZLt4/VHvkCbAUuOI/AAAAAAAAJlg/l_HKHfQJoYs/s1600/2014-11-13_15-56-48_200.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our old favorite</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAuaNVYpY8E/VHvkDiNbl0I/AAAAAAAAJlc/Treu4t44RME/s1600/2014-11-14_11-05-08_654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAuaNVYpY8E/VHvkDiNbl0I/AAAAAAAAJlc/Treu4t44RME/s1600/2014-11-14_11-05-08_654.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, Talon and Pax - glad we were able to spend some time here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R2DiJWGFmVk/VHvkPAIwFNI/AAAAAAAAJl8/15uwlvt37OU/s1600/2014-11-16%2BFL%2BJR%2Bsnorkel%2B086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R2DiJWGFmVk/VHvkPAIwFNI/AAAAAAAAJl8/15uwlvt37OU/s1600/2014-11-16%2BFL%2BJR%2Bsnorkel%2B086.JPG" height="231" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snorkeling with the nurse shark at Jolly Roger</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X0eej2RWv20/VHvkOL5A0WI/AAAAAAAAJlw/4G_lRXjDsko/s1600/2014-11-16%2BFL%2BJR%2Bsnorkel%2B100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X0eej2RWv20/VHvkOL5A0WI/AAAAAAAAJlw/4G_lRXjDsko/s1600/2014-11-16%2BFL%2BJR%2Bsnorkel%2B100.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a puffer fish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JzrC6roiRRk/VHvkODoCMrI/AAAAAAAAJls/27iN_c1XREI/s1600/2014-11-16%2BFL%2BJR%2Bsnorkel%2B107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JzrC6roiRRk/VHvkODoCMrI/AAAAAAAAJls/27iN_c1XREI/s1600/2014-11-16%2BFL%2BJR%2Bsnorkel%2B107.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the big school of brightly colored parrot fish</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-64029549637925147602014-11-30T18:21:00.001-08:002014-11-30T18:21:41.944-08:00A cool experience with Sandhill Cranes - up close and personalI really like Sandhill Cranes. Their calls can be so mesmerizing echoing over a foggy lake. They are big, beautiful majestic birds. But in Florida, they seem to be everywhere and I can imagine some Floridians feel about them the same way many Canadians feel about Canada Geese - they can be noisy and very very messy!<br />
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While at Wild Florida, we were sitting in the picnic area and 2 cranes approached us, calling loudly - I can only assume they were begging...? They walked right up to me and weren't slowing down...I had to get out of their way! There was a lady behind us who was talking to them, maybe they were heading her way? Here's the video:<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt47SXiaPXg&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Video of Sandhill Cranes calling</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MCJgXBgDvT8/VHvQdks89XI/AAAAAAAAJhE/LyeLl6s0kms/s1600/2014-11a%2B272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MCJgXBgDvT8/VHvQdks89XI/AAAAAAAAJhE/LyeLl6s0kms/s1600/2014-11a%2B272.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-29839264491455978622014-11-30T17:43:00.000-08:002014-11-30T17:43:11.477-08:002014-11-06 Airboat Ride at Wild FloridaWe attended a 90-minute timeshare presentation (actual time: more like 3 hours). For our 3 hour investment, we got a $25 certificate for an italian restaurant, and also an airboat ride. Though I don't recommend investing your vacation time attending a high-pressure sales presentation, in our case, we have the time available and it allowed us to do something we otherwise would not have spent money on. So...off we went to <a href="http://wildfloridairboats.com/wildlife-park/" target="_blank">Wild Florida</a>. <br />
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The airboat ride was really fun - we've never done that before! Saw lots of birds, alligators, and also got to enjoy their wildlife park. It was feeding time so all the animals were out and active. Nicely maintained and all the enclosures seemed clean, though I still am sorry for animals which seem to be in enclosures which are too small.<br />
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The trip to Wild Florida was in the same vicinity as our "next door neighbors" in Maine - Paul and Carolyn. So we planned this visit for the same day, to save fuel. We had lunch at the little restaurant in their park and had a nice visit! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">what do we see?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GwF7Ql-5_Cw/VHu9cJLWJMI/AAAAAAAAJdc/VnRB3iA2VUg/s1600/2014-11a%2B204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GwF7Ql-5_Cw/VHu9cJLWJMI/AAAAAAAAJdc/VnRB3iA2VUg/s1600/2014-11a%2B204.JPG" height="218" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gator</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6dbckSyaYc/VHu9ZZoJq6I/AAAAAAAAJdU/KnypAj5DfB4/s1600/2014-11a%2B207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6dbckSyaYc/VHu9ZZoJq6I/AAAAAAAAJdU/KnypAj5DfB4/s1600/2014-11a%2B207.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bald eagle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eaowni3mXug/VHu9kYPx5EI/AAAAAAAAJds/rMdSWxl2r0w/s1600/2014-11a%2B212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eaowni3mXug/VHu9kYPx5EI/AAAAAAAAJds/rMdSWxl2r0w/s1600/2014-11a%2B212.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of birds!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ba5xhq9yHhc/VHu9siHbXXI/AAAAAAAAJd0/XJcOX6R407s/s1600/2014-11a%2B214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ba5xhq9yHhc/VHu9siHbXXI/AAAAAAAAJd0/XJcOX6R407s/s1600/2014-11a%2B214.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scariest thing yet - Gary in the driver seat!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTw1DAvCNkI/VHu923sZbaI/AAAAAAAAJd8/GxkNB4ve2-I/s1600/2014-11a%2B217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTw1DAvCNkI/VHu923sZbaI/AAAAAAAAJd8/GxkNB4ve2-I/s1600/2014-11a%2B217.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A really spectacular Cypress Swamp</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfBHBXOG1QA/VHu-Hlp0UQI/AAAAAAAAJeM/CUX1Om4qSzk/s1600/2014-11a%2B222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfBHBXOG1QA/VHu-Hlp0UQI/AAAAAAAAJeM/CUX1Om4qSzk/s1600/2014-11a%2B222.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s7x3Fm5JQPY/VHu-SouHg5I/AAAAAAAAJec/J3DTSdb9D94/s1600/2014-11a%2B226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s7x3Fm5JQPY/VHu-SouHg5I/AAAAAAAAJec/J3DTSdb9D94/s1600/2014-11a%2B226.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of big gators in the enclosed swamp</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C58eWm_hWiI/VHu-P6U1_JI/AAAAAAAAJeU/nP8_FBvf2xM/s1600/2014-11a%2B229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C58eWm_hWiI/VHu-P6U1_JI/AAAAAAAAJeU/nP8_FBvf2xM/s1600/2014-11a%2B229.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this sign really necessary?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQJsAdq700Q/VHu-a2bT5CI/AAAAAAAAJek/iaYgLnlKSq0/s1600/2014-11a%2B232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQJsAdq700Q/VHu-a2bT5CI/AAAAAAAAJek/iaYgLnlKSq0/s1600/2014-11a%2B232.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many other animals kept in this park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3yJmlRlwCIo/VHu-jMtkr4I/AAAAAAAAJes/3RSmHh-SbHI/s1600/2014-11a%2B239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3yJmlRlwCIo/VHu-jMtkr4I/AAAAAAAAJes/3RSmHh-SbHI/s1600/2014-11a%2B239.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Julien! Let's see if he can whistle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJ-WSbRl_-8/VHu-jRuB9OI/AAAAAAAAJew/qOuPELXCGn8/s1600/2014-11a%2B241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJ-WSbRl_-8/VHu-jRuB9OI/AAAAAAAAJew/qOuPELXCGn8/s1600/2014-11a%2B241.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This wonderful sloth put on a little (slow) show for us</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fN-UKoy_LKY/VHu-zdOOFSI/AAAAAAAAJe8/ttjN1zpvpa8/s1600/2014-11a%2B245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fN-UKoy_LKY/VHu-zdOOFSI/AAAAAAAAJe8/ttjN1zpvpa8/s1600/2014-11a%2B245.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And there he goes...slowly ever so slowly...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFb9bEl79G8/VHu-0UFPoII/AAAAAAAAJfE/eTNqE4scSf0/s1600/2014-11a%2B252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFb9bEl79G8/VHu-0UFPoII/AAAAAAAAJfE/eTNqE4scSf0/s1600/2014-11a%2B252.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the most amazing animals was the cotton top tamarin</td></tr>
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After Wild Florida, we headed over to St Clair to visit Paul and Carolyn, who are staying in a park which is undergoing improvements and is really quite nice. They have a terrific roomy and shady spot, a nice pool area, and a really good little restaurant in the park.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandhill Cranes seem to be everywhere in Florida, and not shy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODoqKdKycbs/VHu_DsZTmUI/AAAAAAAAJfc/AZ2EmbAWHQ8/s1600/2014-11a%2B276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODoqKdKycbs/VHu_DsZTmUI/AAAAAAAAJfc/AZ2EmbAWHQ8/s1600/2014-11a%2B276.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty little lake in the park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An endangered Wood Stork!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-89121854642340108682014-11-30T16:23:00.003-08:002014-11-30T18:12:40.771-08:002014-11-01 Using the timeshare points finally - use it or lose it! Kissimmee, FLSaid goodbyes with Brett and Olivia (hope to see them again in January) who were heading towards Canaveral - while we headed to Kissimmee to use our timeshare. There are sooooo many timeshare resorts in Orlando area, so it was easy to find a week available to make use of our timeshare points. And this one had an RV parking lot. <br />
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Our first room at the resort had a major leak in the jacuzzi tub which flooded our room, so we had to pack up and move everything clear across to the other side of the resort. <br />
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But it was worth the move....we ended up in a nice upper room with a view toward Disney. In the far distance we could see the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom, Cinderella's Castle in Magic Kingdom, and the Tower of Terror in Disney's Hollywood Studios. And the fireworks. Not that we would be going there....wow, the Disney Parks are way out of my price range! For the first several days, we simply relaxed around the resort taking advantage of resort amenities (like the swan paddle boats, and Jurrassic mini-golf), plus I caught up on paperwork, did some laundry, did a puzzle. Gary enjoyed the jetted hot tub in our room!<br />
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Oh, and we also spent one entire day getting a new refrigerator installed at Camping World Kissimmee. And a day researching and selecting a local doctor...and then another going for my annual physical....all that fun stuff you usually do on a "vacation". Also met some really nice folks from Canada at a breakfast, and joined them for lunch one afternoon. Really nice people who also got sucked into the timeshare thing and really regret it. Yep, it's a special club.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEQgwvUxe2o/VHuyVO-lO8I/AAAAAAAAJbk/XmzvSxjfbu4/s1600/2014-11-04_11-09-28_779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEQgwvUxe2o/VHuyVO-lO8I/AAAAAAAAJbk/XmzvSxjfbu4/s1600/2014-11-04_11-09-28_779.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This room was very nice - should be for the $$ we forked out many years ago, plus annual maintenance fees which keep going up up up</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rK8HDrg1AaY/VHuyYava2FI/AAAAAAAAJbw/bpIY2dLLlXw/s1600/2014-11-04_11-10-02_959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rK8HDrg1AaY/VHuyYava2FI/AAAAAAAAJbw/bpIY2dLLlXw/s1600/2014-11-04_11-10-02_959.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F4JLK6GGjXc/VHuycg94_fI/AAAAAAAAJb8/5QNL_OYDUf8/s1600/2014-11-04_11-13-10_384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F4JLK6GGjXc/VHuycg94_fI/AAAAAAAAJb8/5QNL_OYDUf8/s1600/2014-11-04_11-13-10_384.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw5BtVp978A/VHuygmyfn8I/AAAAAAAAJcE/Z-5R3vvGDDE/s1600/2014-11-04_11-13-56_534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw5BtVp978A/VHuygmyfn8I/AAAAAAAAJcE/Z-5R3vvGDDE/s1600/2014-11-04_11-13-56_534.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view towards Disney from the screened balcony</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HlcKlKFZBqo/VHuyicHYAmI/AAAAAAAAJcM/4AlYHbQpwPc/s1600/2014-11-04_14-02-09_698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HlcKlKFZBqo/VHuyicHYAmI/AAAAAAAAJcM/4AlYHbQpwPc/s1600/2014-11-04_14-02-09_698.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">swan paddle boats</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TTcQO6k_SyY/VHuyo9RDUSI/AAAAAAAAJcc/BxX8kLB4-Nw/s1600/2014-11-04_14-44-42_274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TTcQO6k_SyY/VHuyo9RDUSI/AAAAAAAAJcc/BxX8kLB4-Nw/s1600/2014-11-04_14-44-42_274.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">required to wear a life jacket, lest you fall into the 2-foot deep slimey water</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6A71Cu1VVzg/VHuypJmlLhI/AAAAAAAAJcg/QlOHVVXTGEI/s1600/2014-11-04_14-53-23_970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6A71Cu1VVzg/VHuypJmlLhI/AAAAAAAAJcg/QlOHVVXTGEI/s1600/2014-11-04_14-53-23_970.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">little swan, big swan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jurrasic mini-golf</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-50763603100811402722014-11-30T15:41:00.001-08:002014-11-30T15:41:59.683-08:002014-10-31 morning walk on St Augustine Beach, another afternoon touring the historic districtWe spent a little while in the morning walking the beautiful white sand beach, then grabbed the bikes and spent the rest of the afternoon touring the historic district. There is so much to see, you couldn't really see it all in one day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dv8nNTLtz5A/VHui5C2U-OI/AAAAAAAAJYU/hhLDm3L-ENg/s1600/2014-11a%2B126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dv8nNTLtz5A/VHui5C2U-OI/AAAAAAAAJYU/hhLDm3L-ENg/s1600/2014-11a%2B126.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful St Augustine Beach</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fxr674Oaw6s/VHui3Rb5RTI/AAAAAAAAJYE/Us6dVJfdL2E/s1600/2014-11a%2B127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fxr674Oaw6s/VHui3Rb5RTI/AAAAAAAAJYE/Us6dVJfdL2E/s1600/2014-11a%2B127.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwKDENUUOlE/VHujGhdJESI/AAAAAAAAJYg/4aXHWl9nRpk/s1600/2014-11a%2B128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwKDENUUOlE/VHujGhdJESI/AAAAAAAAJYg/4aXHWl9nRpk/s1600/2014-11a%2B128.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">such a cute couple!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DPWeJIb4IJU/VHujUUWrw5I/AAAAAAAAJY8/NGIYZOiMh4o/s1600/2014-11a%2B134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DPWeJIb4IJU/VHujUUWrw5I/AAAAAAAAJY8/NGIYZOiMh4o/s1600/2014-11a%2B134.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">red flag means dangerous water conditions, blue flag means dangerous marine life - guess we're not going swimming!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UgKrddcunQ/VHujdXC8qfI/AAAAAAAAJZM/Yib-qDcHTrU/s1600/2014-11a%2B137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UgKrddcunQ/VHujdXC8qfI/AAAAAAAAJZM/Yib-qDcHTrU/s1600/2014-11a%2B137.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Augustine Lighthouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SEvaxKU80Dk/VHuj6qaF1UI/AAAAAAAAJZs/KyligUDgy1E/s1600/2014-11a%2B143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SEvaxKU80Dk/VHuj6qaF1UI/AAAAAAAAJZs/KyligUDgy1E/s1600/2014-11a%2B143.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love these big old live oak trees</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iRmVXc04QCg/VHujsey18rI/AAAAAAAAJZc/dqrcFqdp974/s1600/2014-11a%2B144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iRmVXc04QCg/VHujsey18rI/AAAAAAAAJZc/dqrcFqdp974/s1600/2014-11a%2B144.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back across the lions' bridge</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6HQHhC37FU/VHuj8HbIlqI/AAAAAAAAJZ0/si03G8Dls5g/s1600/2014-11a%2B152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6HQHhC37FU/VHuj8HbIlqI/AAAAAAAAJZ0/si03G8Dls5g/s1600/2014-11a%2B152.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">drawbridge is up</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-786jgRbXqyc/VHukMQNptkI/AAAAAAAAJaM/x3gbixWiMr0/s1600/2014-11a%2B161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-786jgRbXqyc/VHukMQNptkI/AAAAAAAAJaM/x3gbixWiMr0/s1600/2014-11a%2B161.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZH_CtkT2Js/VHukNFmj1VI/AAAAAAAAJaU/eEdgUlEzCcs/s1600/2014-11a%2B162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZH_CtkT2Js/VHukNFmj1VI/AAAAAAAAJaU/eEdgUlEzCcs/s1600/2014-11a%2B162.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this house is pretty old - 1702</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SnxJnLzl_uQ/VHukU9q3OWI/AAAAAAAAJac/j5A7EHYk1yo/s1600/2014-11a%2B165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SnxJnLzl_uQ/VHukU9q3OWI/AAAAAAAAJac/j5A7EHYk1yo/s1600/2014-11a%2B165.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so is this inn - 1791</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3I7jv_BzjdE/VHuksOZzBFI/AAAAAAAAJaw/EyCwO8RsqJ4/s1600/2014-11a%2B167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3I7jv_BzjdE/VHuksOZzBFI/AAAAAAAAJaw/EyCwO8RsqJ4/s1600/2014-11a%2B167.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gotta make friends with the kitty, except this one</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-sr8QaWsmU/VHukjtBTi-I/AAAAAAAAJak/RguFPzYGJ5w/s1600/2014-11a%2B168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-sr8QaWsmU/VHukjtBTi-I/AAAAAAAAJak/RguFPzYGJ5w/s1600/2014-11a%2B168.JPG" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dGf72e441z0/VHuksKjJ2JI/AAAAAAAAJas/7ABE6_5cazw/s1600/2014-11a%2B171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dGf72e441z0/VHuksKjJ2JI/AAAAAAAAJas/7ABE6_5cazw/s1600/2014-11a%2B171.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightner_Museum" target="_blank">Lightner Museum</a>, formerly Hotel Alcazar, built 1887</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ka04oNwt3BE/VHuk59EHnMI/AAAAAAAAJa8/TdGsDNVk3zM/s1600/2014-11a%2B175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ka04oNwt3BE/VHuk59EHnMI/AAAAAAAAJa8/TdGsDNVk3zM/s1600/2014-11a%2B175.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponce_de_Le%C3%B3n_Hotel" target="_blank">Ponce de Leon Hotel</a>, now Flagler College, built 1888</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilgdNWfxc4U/VHuk8db-BrI/AAAAAAAAJbE/YFkCHAFher4/s1600/2014-11a%2B177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilgdNWfxc4U/VHuk8db-BrI/AAAAAAAAJbE/YFkCHAFher4/s1600/2014-11a%2B177.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1wezS4FJYI/VHuk_69qkSI/AAAAAAAAJbM/BRLxYIQFtFg/s1600/2014-11a%2B178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1wezS4FJYI/VHuk_69qkSI/AAAAAAAAJbM/BRLxYIQFtFg/s1600/2014-11a%2B178.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nH6R0J8rLkI/VHulDoHv51I/AAAAAAAAJbU/Pz0GZ8pUJBg/s1600/2014-11a%2B186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nH6R0J8rLkI/VHulDoHv51I/AAAAAAAAJbU/Pz0GZ8pUJBg/s1600/2014-11a%2B186.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Presbyterian_Church" target="_blank">Memorial Presbyterian Church</a>, built 1889</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-13682042911464882992014-11-30T14:57:00.001-08:002014-11-30T15:51:17.787-08:002014-10-30 Bicycle ride to historic district, St AugustineThe four of us headed out in the morning to explore St Augustine by bicycle. The historic district is only a 3 mile ride from the state park. Along the way, we parked the bikes and walked the <a href="http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMAYNM_Spanish_Coquina_Quarries_St_Augustine_Beach_FL" target="_blank">Old Spanish Quarries</a> trail in Anastasia. Then we continued our ride into St Augustine, where we again parked the bikes. We stopped in at Pepper Palace (Brett and Olivia should own stock), then walked around the amazing historic district. Stopped in to try the microbrews at A1A Ale Works - I think it was $7 for a 4oz sample of 6 beers - not a bad deal. After an hour or so more of exploring, we headed home all warmed up for a new game of Mexican Train Dominos!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QIZ9bPvT18/VHuYFWZPe4I/AAAAAAAAJU0/Ir7CuCmN3k4/s1600/2014-11a%2B037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QIZ9bPvT18/VHuYFWZPe4I/AAAAAAAAJU0/Ir7CuCmN3k4/s1600/2014-11a%2B037.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S65suCp2CTk/VHuYIduZ8WI/AAAAAAAAJVE/JQZjVGZ5j6U/s1600/2014-11a%2B042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S65suCp2CTk/VHuYIduZ8WI/AAAAAAAAJVE/JQZjVGZ5j6U/s1600/2014-11a%2B042.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gopher tortoise makes its home in the state park</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FcWYYE4vR6o/VHuYGFSGGEI/AAAAAAAAJU4/zNw3WUFYpio/s1600/2014-11a%2B043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FcWYYE4vR6o/VHuYGFSGGEI/AAAAAAAAJU4/zNw3WUFYpio/s1600/2014-11a%2B043.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHQe5fQCD30/VHuYhGXFdeI/AAAAAAAAJVM/kthaG1yh_W8/s1600/2014-11a%2B047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHQe5fQCD30/VHuYhGXFdeI/AAAAAAAAJVM/kthaG1yh_W8/s1600/2014-11a%2B047.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n10X4Mvf_qo/VHuY07saVfI/AAAAAAAAJV0/DOG_Yfjd30E/s1600/2014-11a%2B052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n10X4Mvf_qo/VHuY07saVfI/AAAAAAAAJV0/DOG_Yfjd30E/s1600/2014-11a%2B052.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">look at this guy's impressive camouflage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5072fg2UN2Q/VHuYwuME-JI/AAAAAAAAJVk/YYaBVmyarm8/s1600/2014-11a%2B055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5072fg2UN2Q/VHuYwuME-JI/AAAAAAAAJVk/YYaBVmyarm8/s1600/2014-11a%2B055.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida" target="_blank">America's oldest city</a> - founded 1565</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GDblomZUQE4/VHuYxkVd3EI/AAAAAAAAJVs/neuubUCF0oA/s1600/2014-11a%2B056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GDblomZUQE4/VHuYxkVd3EI/AAAAAAAAJVs/neuubUCF0oA/s1600/2014-11a%2B056.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crossing the "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_of_Lions" target="_blank">Bridge of Lions</a>" drawbridge into historic St Augustine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PAa8FvqX1xI/VHuZCcngkrI/AAAAAAAAJWE/MBxJkR2kKVU/s1600/2014-11a%2B070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PAa8FvqX1xI/VHuZCcngkrI/AAAAAAAAJWE/MBxJkR2kKVU/s1600/2014-11a%2B070.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the fort up ahead - <a href="http://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm" target="_blank">Castillo de San Marcos</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfoxQ57Ldj8/VHuZZtkhRvI/AAAAAAAAJWk/THjufHdWdqU/s1600/2014-11a%2B086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfoxQ57Ldj8/VHuZZtkhRvI/AAAAAAAAJWk/THjufHdWdqU/s1600/2014-11a%2B086.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cobblestone streets, cafes, quaint shops - you can easily spend all day here!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Town Trolley Tours</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QO_CKsPVNLI/VHuZ7cPrlZI/AAAAAAAAJXU/DF-yB5x1w2U/s1600/2014-11a%2B112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QO_CKsPVNLI/VHuZ7cPrlZI/AAAAAAAAJXU/DF-yB5x1w2U/s1600/2014-11a%2B112.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ripley's St Augustine sight-seeing train</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_Basilica_of_St._Augustine" target="_blank">Cathedral Basilica</a>, completed in 1797, called "the first parish"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carriage rides also</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-46730422875388936022014-11-30T13:59:00.000-08:002014-11-30T13:59:27.303-08:002014-10-28 From Ellijay, GA to St Augustine, FL - with an overnight stop in Valdosta, GA (Walmart!)After a sad farewell to little Leaf (still very sad, but someone had put flea powder on her, so we believe she had a home)....we headed south together with the Gillespies to spend 3 nights in St Augustine. Along the way, Gary and I stopped at one of the many "peanut plantation" shops and bought a big bag of Georgia peanuts (which I guess is a thing to do here!). <br />
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We overnighted in a Walmart parking lot (good chance to stock up on stuff), then continued on into Florida to <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia/" target="_blank">Anastasia State Park</a> the next day.<br />
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What a great state park - fantastic private sites, white sandy beach, nature trails, and a short bike ride into historic St Augustine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MrZdU1Gn2L4/VHuLEKTRPKI/AAAAAAAAJS8/6s7fCtIK75c/s1600/2014-10-28_09-45-02_327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MrZdU1Gn2L4/VHuLEKTRPKI/AAAAAAAAJS8/6s7fCtIK75c/s1600/2014-10-28_09-45-02_327.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye to Leaf who had certainly made herself at home - I hope someone is caring for her</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Fv8-P1pQaE/VHuK-hgxn4I/AAAAAAAAJS0/C2Brwy-SAgo/s1600/2014-11a%2B005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Fv8-P1pQaE/VHuK-hgxn4I/AAAAAAAAJS0/C2Brwy-SAgo/s1600/2014-11a%2B005.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gotta buy peanuts before we leave Georgia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-gJ16ShhxY/VHuLEigBloI/AAAAAAAAJTA/ZuU6mGA9ZnI/s1600/2014-11a%2B007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-gJ16ShhxY/VHuLEigBloI/AAAAAAAAJTA/ZuU6mGA9ZnI/s1600/2014-11a%2B007.JPG" height="183" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yard of a serious Bulldogs fan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iifyUQ257S4/VHuLJGn-_0I/AAAAAAAAJTQ/hLE-h5ft5fo/s1600/2014-11a%2B010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iifyUQ257S4/VHuLJGn-_0I/AAAAAAAAJTQ/hLE-h5ft5fo/s1600/2014-11a%2B010.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the bridge onto Anastasia Island</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iwBuQOIIA9I/VHuLJGKYDII/AAAAAAAAJTM/IfgMcezEQ9E/s1600/2014-11a%2B012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iwBuQOIIA9I/VHuLJGKYDII/AAAAAAAAJTM/IfgMcezEQ9E/s1600/2014-11a%2B012.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large private sites, and an added bonus: you can hear the concerts at St Augustine Amphitheatre</td></tr>
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After we got situated, I took a little walk around the state park, down to the beach and campstore, checked out the nature trail...great place to camp! Wish there'd been some good concerts at the big <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/St-Augustine-Amphitheatre-tickets-St-Augustine/venue/279079" target="_blank">Amphitheatre</a> while we were there - can you believe there were no concerts scheduled over halloween weekend?!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">these bright purple "beauty berries" are very tasty and make a good jelly!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mU8gh9V9Tbw/VHuLRAYqiqI/AAAAAAAAJTc/L085nDV5iic/s1600/2014-11a%2B016b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mU8gh9V9Tbw/VHuLRAYqiqI/AAAAAAAAJTc/L085nDV5iic/s1600/2014-11a%2B016b.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yeah, I only have one glass of wine each night....but look at the size of that glass! Love these people!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-66721882418095745662014-11-30T11:57:00.001-08:002014-11-30T11:57:49.839-08:002014-10-27 Touring Coosawattee, Rich Mountain WMA, and the charming town of Blue Ridge GACoosawattee River Resort is a place you could get lost in...easily! So glad we had tour guides. Had a nice tour around the park and along the river (wish it were summer so we could go tubing!). Played a round of mini-golf (where they also have a fitness center and indoor pool), then headed out for a couple of short hikes in a tremendous wilderness area with connecting trails all over - Rich Mountain Wilderness Management Area. Finished off the day with a stroll and sharing a microbrew in the little town of Blue Ridge.<br />
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Did I mention our refrigerator bit the dust? We noticed it wasn't cooling, and then Gary smelled amonia and turned it off for fear of fire (common source of fires in an RV). Brett and Olivia were so kind to offer some of their fridge and freezer space for us, and that combined with ice in an ice chest, held us over until we could get a replacement installed. Cha-ching - for those of you who don't know, a "2-way" RV fridge built to run on either electric or propane is much more expensive than a simple home fridge - installed, these can run $2000 or more - for a 8-cubic-ft fridge! Yikes. I was working on finding the best deal and setting up an appointment somewhere on our planned route.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">deer were populous and in our site every morning in Coosawattee</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Gu9pTRymIw/VHtvwjeum0I/AAAAAAAAJPU/Yt7-8rN3JeA/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Gu9pTRymIw/VHtvwjeum0I/AAAAAAAAJPU/Yt7-8rN3JeA/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B145.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touring Coosawatee, this looks like a really nice spot for a snooze in the hammock!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o0BvEAWsVBA/VHtvttNOFwI/AAAAAAAAJPM/Gl4wEA7Gou4/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o0BvEAWsVBA/VHtvttNOFwI/AAAAAAAAJPM/Gl4wEA7Gou4/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B152.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fly fisherman</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxa-_AljKVc/VHtwL2hViSI/AAAAAAAAJPk/awHL-8Bet-s/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxa-_AljKVc/VHtwL2hViSI/AAAAAAAAJPk/awHL-8Bet-s/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B156.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lots of really nice homes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B4_OGPvAAuc/VHtwCJ3iQKI/AAAAAAAAJPc/R0HYKMFbsN0/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B4_OGPvAAuc/VHtwCJ3iQKI/AAAAAAAAJPc/R0HYKMFbsN0/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B163.JPG" height="257" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on a narrow windy road</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gorgeous reflections</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fall colors and bridge reflected in the Coosawattee River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick round of mini-golf</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fall colors in the park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veterans Memorial Bridge in Ellijay</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading into Rich Mountain for some hiking</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hitting the trails</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of many lovely homes along the way</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closed on Mondays! bummer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">disappointed Toccoa Riverside Restaurant was closed today</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vy7UCpCvf74/VHtyn4xAINI/AAAAAAAAJR0/W8DjAwl4kKw/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vy7UCpCvf74/VHtyn4xAINI/AAAAAAAAJR0/W8DjAwl4kKw/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B262.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We thought about having a picnic here anyway - really nice spot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfIhUutOrf8/VHtyoSd3JVI/AAAAAAAAJR8/lzxuXip75Kw/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfIhUutOrf8/VHtyoSd3JVI/AAAAAAAAJR8/lzxuXip75Kw/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B269.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">strolling downtown Blue Ridge, GA</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-81463145500913034502014-11-30T11:07:00.001-08:002014-11-30T11:07:51.666-08:002014-10-26 Exploring northern GA with excellent tour guidesWe started the morning with a hike up <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/conf/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=10539&actid=51" target="_blank">Springer Mountain</a> to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Nice hike, very cool to see the starting point (or end for those who actually start at Katahdin...brrrrr). When we hiked back down to the parking area, we ran into a south-bound AT thru-hiker who needed a ride. Brett was driving - his turn to be a Trail Angel! The hiker needed to go to <a href="http://gastateparks.org/AmicalolaFalls" target="_blank">Amicolola Falls</a> visitor center, so off we went. It was Sunday, and mobbed with people, but we got the hiker where he needed to go, and then enjoyed the walk on the staircase along the falls.<br />
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In the evening, we carried on our tradition of Hobo Dinners and finished off a 3-year game of Mexican Trail Dominoes...possibly the longest game in history? Always have a great time with Brett and Olivia!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We came from Cataloochee to hike in Chattahoochee and stay in Coosawatee - starting to get all these 4-syllable "c" words mixed up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up Springer Mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2,170 miles of the AT - this is where it starts (or ends)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was interesting to read the entries in the trail log</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">snake on trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ehakOKjhMw/VHtcn1dQ0FI/AAAAAAAAJMo/eyYApfqSmro/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ehakOKjhMw/VHtcn1dQ0FI/AAAAAAAAJMo/eyYApfqSmro/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B050.JPG" height="183" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fall colors were really nice - we hit peak in Georgia</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking the AT hiker to Amicalola Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was mobbed - don't think Brett and Olivia had ever seen it so busy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the visitor center, top of the falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading towards the trail down the stairs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Amicalola Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top of the falls - a bit hazy today</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EYKaFXlHdEk/VHteUsxOTII/AAAAAAAAJOc/A64Yhb-u1M4/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EYKaFXlHdEk/VHteUsxOTII/AAAAAAAAJOc/A64Yhb-u1M4/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B109.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amicalola Falls with less water than spring, but magnificent with the fall colors</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">an old truck which did not make the windy road up - a long time ago</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fS70HAJoG20/VHteaPfdsOI/AAAAAAAAJOs/n5skyyPgLbw/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fS70HAJoG20/VHteaPfdsOI/AAAAAAAAJOs/n5skyyPgLbw/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B113.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's the visitor center up at the top, peeking out above the trees</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_m145SJZeg/VHteXi6QfOI/AAAAAAAAJOk/EEA0vIE__YI/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_m145SJZeg/VHteXi6QfOI/AAAAAAAAJOk/EEA0vIE__YI/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B120.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is "Leaf" (named for that little mark across her nose) , a kitty hanging around in Coosawattee who seemed to have adopted Brett and Olivia she walked us home to our RV site each night</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yeS5RFf3Mmo/VHteewvSIrI/AAAAAAAAJO0/PcC0oV80UJ8/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yeS5RFf3Mmo/VHteewvSIrI/AAAAAAAAJO0/PcC0oV80UJ8/s1600/2014-10-27%2BGA%2BCoosawattee%2B123.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">purring happy kitty....Olivia and I both felt very sad leaving her behind, but could not take her, since she probably belongs to someone else in the resort. still I worry about her and hope she's okay</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-13460129336949882722014-11-30T08:07:00.000-08:002014-11-30T08:17:19.352-08:002014-10-25 from NC to GA, a brief stop at Nantahala Outdoor Center, and finally in Ellijay!The drive from Waynesville NC to Ellijay GA was only about 2 hours, but after the morning drive to Cataloochee (thus a late start on the road), plus a brief stop for lunch at Nantahala Outdoor Center, we didn't arrive until late afternoon.<br />
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We've been wanting to meet up with our friends in Ellijay for a long time! We first met Brett and Olivia as our neighbors in an RV park in Moab, UT. We have since met up in Estes Park CO, Rocky Mountain National Park, Gatlinburg TN, Daytona Beach FL...I think last time was Joplin MO about 3 years ago. We have an ongoing game of Mexican Train Dominoes which we always pick up and continue where we left off. We also have great fun hiking, sight-seeing, and sampling local microbrews.<br />
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Brett and Olivia met us in town and lead us on their scooter into Coosawattee River Resort. Thank goodness for that, because you can easily get lost on the 300+ miles of roadways in this resort, some incredibly windy, narrow and extremely steep. Not a good place to go wandering amelessly with the RV. We parked the rig in a nice roomy spot in the Ogden Road RV Park, just down the hill from the Gillespies' property, and headed out for a quick tour and walk around downtown Ellijay, enjoying their "Scarecrow Invasion". We also stopped at <a href="http://www.thebestofebrj.com/wolf-creek-canyon-bbq/" target="_blank">Wolf Creek Canyon BBQ</a> in East Ellijay for an awesome pulled pork sandwich for $3.95. Could definitely be a regular here!<br />
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In the evening, we went to the final Friday night "<a href="http://www.thebestofebrj.com/pickin-2/" target="_blank">pickin' on the porch</a>" for the summer in Coosawatee, at the <a href="http://www.eaglemountaingeneralstore.com/" target="_blank">general store</a>. What a fun evening, we really enjoyed sitting around the campfires, listening to great music, and catching up with the Gillespies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The area around <a href="http://www.franklin-chamber.com/whattodo/gemmining.php" target="_blank">Franklin, North Carolina</a> is known for ruby, diamond, emerald and sapphire mines</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://noc.com/plan-your-trip/nantahala-river" target="_blank">Nantahala Outdoor Center</a> looks like a good place to stop for lunch!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XSwMuPbMSd0/VHs1Q6nHORI/AAAAAAAAJIc/MyVKvVtk0t8/s1600/2014-10-25%2BSMNP%2Bto%2BGA%2Bb%2B090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XSwMuPbMSd0/VHs1Q6nHORI/AAAAAAAAJIc/MyVKvVtk0t8/s1600/2014-10-25%2BSMNP%2Bto%2BGA%2Bb%2B090.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But the parking lots look very small for the RV, and full!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just up the road - room to park in a pull-out</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">walking back down to the NOC</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a quick lunch at River's End</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ready for the Great Pumpkin Pursuit where rafters race down river, collecting as many of the numbered pumpkins as possible</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of kayakers enjoying the river</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fall colors near the North Carolina-Georgia border</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">welcome to Georgia</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brett and Olivia guiding us to our site - thank goodness for the escort!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Coosawattee River Resort with Brett and Olivia</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Ellijay</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Scarecrow Invasion" in downtown Ellijay</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we shared a microbrew on the balcony of JJ's</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-32038091682755285092014-11-29T18:53:00.000-08:002014-11-29T18:53:21.253-08:002014-10-25 An early morning drive to Cataloochee Valley, SMNPOur RV park in Waynesville was just a mile from the 10-mile roadway going into <a href="http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/attractions-destinations/cataloochee-valley" target="_blank">Cataloochee Valley</a>. a remote and picturesque valley, also the most likely place to see elk in Smoky Mountain National Park. Check-out time was 11am, so we left very early to do this short but very windy and narrow drive into Cataloochee and try to make it home in time to hook up and check out. <br />
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It was a very narrow dirt road - with lots of blind corners. Gary was very happy we didn't encounter many other vehicles on the road. Then, when we arrived in the valley, there's this nice, wide, two-lane paved road. Gary insisted - we took the wrong way in! Let's go back out the easy way, on this nice <em>paved</em> road! Well, no, I was pretty sure from the map, there's only one way in, except for the <em>other way</em>, which was longer, narrower, and windier according to descriptions on the national park website. He insisted I ask a ranger...so I did. Yup, we had taken the <em>easy</em> road in. I had to wonder how those RV's in the campground made it on that road.<br />
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Was worth the drive! Lots of elk, historic buildings, and fall colors, in a magnificent setting. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When we took off, it was foggy - glad this lifted!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windy narrow road in - a very slow 10 miles</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A paved 2-lane road through the valley, and many elk in the meadow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyBKBies-EI/VHqAEcUbk-I/AAAAAAAAJEo/F9Pm17fm7MU/s1600/2014-10-25%2BSMNP%2Bto%2BGA%2B042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyBKBies-EI/VHqAEcUbk-I/AAAAAAAAJEo/F9Pm17fm7MU/s1600/2014-10-25%2BSMNP%2Bto%2BGA%2B042.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we weren't the only elk peepers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wild turkey too</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KKQNJFIUIE8/VHqAJK8NW3I/AAAAAAAAJE4/G82NpHKX2iQ/s1600/2014-10-25%2BSMNP%2Bto%2BGA%2B063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KKQNJFIUIE8/VHqAJK8NW3I/AAAAAAAAJE4/G82NpHKX2iQ/s1600/2014-10-25%2BSMNP%2Bto%2BGA%2B063.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a very big bull</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just some friendly sparring</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">heading back out of the valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back on the windy road, and many cars coming in</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pretty fall colors on this narrow road</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kP3n3St4FMw/VHqB7O1rShI/AAAAAAAAJGk/A5nWPovlfyc/s1600/2014-10-25%2BSMNP%2Bto%2BGA%2Bb%2B057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kP3n3St4FMw/VHqB7O1rShI/AAAAAAAAJGk/A5nWPovlfyc/s1600/2014-10-25%2BSMNP%2Bto%2BGA%2Bb%2B057.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">made it back home just in time to check-out!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-65423951653531848252014-11-29T17:47:00.003-08:002014-11-30T06:38:59.685-08:002014-10-24 Southern end of the Blue Ridge ParkwayIt was ony a 2-hour drive from Lenoir, NC to our next 2-night stay at Pride Resort (another $10/night Coast-to-Coast resort) in Waynesville, NC. From there, we could connect with the southern end of the parkway and check out several more parkway highlights: Devil's Courthouse, Graveyard Fields, and Looking Glass Rock.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hjMPhtjARY/VHpvCKWNBBI/AAAAAAAAI_w/_fS-ddjPkOA/s1600/2014-10-23%2BBlueRidge%2BLinville%2BNC%2B022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hjMPhtjARY/VHpvCKWNBBI/AAAAAAAAI_w/_fS-ddjPkOA/s1600/2014-10-23%2BBlueRidge%2BLinville%2BNC%2B022.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a really long climb on Interstate 40 by Asheville - this motorhome got a little hot! Can you imagine the horror when you realize your rig is on fire!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I6AYyahfqX4/VHpvSt-yZaI/AAAAAAAAJAI/TulaDDsI7b4/s1600/2014-10-23%2BBlueRidge%2BLinville%2BNC%2B034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I6AYyahfqX4/VHpvSt-yZaI/AAAAAAAAJAI/TulaDDsI7b4/s1600/2014-10-23%2BBlueRidge%2BLinville%2BNC%2B034.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our spot at Pride Resort</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hFbBGfjm3lY/VHpvIgMIzZI/AAAAAAAAI_4/wOByvz1HQRg/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hFbBGfjm3lY/VHpvIgMIzZI/AAAAAAAAI_4/wOByvz1HQRg/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B003.JPG" height="200" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the morning, "smoke" of the Smoky Mountains</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gyyOer_W_q8/VHpvQDfa3vI/AAAAAAAAJAA/3UcYG8xrg8I/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gyyOer_W_q8/VHpvQDfa3vI/AAAAAAAAJAA/3UcYG8xrg8I/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B013.JPG" height="168" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">passing through the Cherokee Reservation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJjk4aDHWus/VHpvVy-10dI/AAAAAAAAJAQ/D5psTXIK9ro/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJjk4aDHWus/VHpvVy-10dI/AAAAAAAAJAQ/D5psTXIK9ro/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B016.JPG" height="215" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fall colors still evident here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAR781N57dc/VHpvWymwrfI/AAAAAAAAJAY/Nbvs8Y1z0Fw/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAR781N57dc/VHpvWymwrfI/AAAAAAAAJAY/Nbvs8Y1z0Fw/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B028.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Cherokee, the big casino (actually visible from 20 miles away on the ridges of the Blue Ridge Parkway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6Kne6LsQDc/VHpvX6CN12I/AAAAAAAAJAg/l6aL2zAbY8U/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6Kne6LsQDc/VHpvX6CN12I/AAAAAAAAJAg/l6aL2zAbY8U/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B034.JPG" height="285" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">would like to see "Unto These Hills" but we made no stops in Cherokee</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ozHF3UKpFXE/VHpvnIfQ8uI/AAAAAAAAJAw/UWHUxzqcYbM/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ozHF3UKpFXE/VHpvnIfQ8uI/AAAAAAAAJAw/UWHUxzqcYbM/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B039.JPG" height="207" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">entering Smoky Mountain NP</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fiCb5Spinas/VHpvhpx-6xI/AAAAAAAAJAo/kiE0CMjIM-A/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fiCb5Spinas/VHpvhpx-6xI/AAAAAAAAJAo/kiE0CMjIM-A/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B040.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no kidding!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9b3MMpB2dfY/VHpvoahOVuI/AAAAAAAAJA4/XffyMPhyOWs/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9b3MMpB2dfY/VHpvoahOVuI/AAAAAAAAJA4/XffyMPhyOWs/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B042.JPG" height="194" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the parkway from the southern end</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A6GJcdlRdkc/VHpvuUFhDuI/AAAAAAAAJBA/2ea8u5iMiJk/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A6GJcdlRdkc/VHpvuUFhDuI/AAAAAAAAJBA/2ea8u5iMiJk/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B053.JPG" height="272" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Immediately, there are tunnels - actually there are many at this end, and none would clear our RV!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8B7xCtNmlL4/VHpv7AhHnfI/AAAAAAAAJBQ/6g7WO0PUe0I/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8B7xCtNmlL4/VHpv7AhHnfI/AAAAAAAAJBQ/6g7WO0PUe0I/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B057.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many overlooks which provide expansive vistas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AZZQBAbc1Ww/VHpvzc1WEUI/AAAAAAAAJBI/zwUdMPCyN2I/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AZZQBAbc1Ww/VHpvzc1WEUI/AAAAAAAAJBI/zwUdMPCyN2I/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B078.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The views are amazing, especially with the fall colors</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tra_4DD-jJ8/VHpv-PTSJOI/AAAAAAAAJBY/YireENhQyoE/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tra_4DD-jJ8/VHpv-PTSJOI/AAAAAAAAJBY/YireENhQyoE/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B110.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BuRS4f5E6Q0/VHpwKASgTjI/AAAAAAAAJBg/uuBUE0ESxeU/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BuRS4f5E6Q0/VHpwKASgTjI/AAAAAAAAJBg/uuBUE0ESxeU/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B141.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That little motorhome behind us apparently could clear the tunnels</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVSJA9J7nzk/VHpwNGxf9EI/AAAAAAAAJBo/IKtNErG_Evg/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVSJA9J7nzk/VHpwNGxf9EI/AAAAAAAAJBo/IKtNErG_Evg/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B150.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGZOcoFYIHE/VHpwQKudVeI/AAAAAAAAJBw/_s9gqiKHgxc/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGZOcoFYIHE/VHpwQKudVeI/AAAAAAAAJBw/_s9gqiKHgxc/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B157.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the high point</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WNq2S9XhKuY/VHpwVC8X_XI/AAAAAAAAJB4/p3LKhmw4xN0/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WNq2S9XhKuY/VHpwVC8X_XI/AAAAAAAAJB4/p3LKhmw4xN0/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B163.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still lots of fall colors though definitely past peak at higher elevations</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znHnF3m2-Ng/VHpwdCQIbaI/AAAAAAAAJCA/c_kiNAth8MY/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znHnF3m2-Ng/VHpwdCQIbaI/AAAAAAAAJCA/c_kiNAth8MY/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B177.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The devil held court in the cave which lies beneath...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q09m7UxqWyc/VHpwmL5cbuI/AAAAAAAAJCI/fO8Lsvj1mus/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q09m7UxqWyc/VHpwmL5cbuI/AAAAAAAAJCI/fO8Lsvj1mus/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B180.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.romanticasheville.com/devils_courthouse.htm" target="_blank">Devil's Courthouse</a> has a terrific short trail to the summit and is home to many rare high-altitude plants</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq5dg2auDvE/VHsp7YzoJUI/AAAAAAAAJHs/uEdBY8NTLOo/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq5dg2auDvE/VHsp7YzoJUI/AAAAAAAAJHs/uEdBY8NTLOo/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B194.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of crowds in the Graveyard Fields area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_Ymzs35xHg/VHsqC3GH1vI/AAAAAAAAJH0/z3FMRypCdAw/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_Ymzs35xHg/VHsqC3GH1vI/AAAAAAAAJH0/z3FMRypCdAw/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B195.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This area is popular for hiking, with magnificent waterfalls, pools, and fantastic fall colors!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xot-rRR3k2U/VHsqMGr-yaI/AAAAAAAAJH8/b_8SPve4Qwg/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xot-rRR3k2U/VHsqMGr-yaI/AAAAAAAAJH8/b_8SPve4Qwg/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B197.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxITVkegUys/VHsqN5C-BAI/AAAAAAAAJIE/FP-vZtlhq3U/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxITVkegUys/VHsqN5C-BAI/AAAAAAAAJIE/FP-vZtlhq3U/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B198.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall colors were all gone, but looking at <a href="http://www.romanticasheville.com/graveyard.htm" target="_blank">these</a> pics explains the crowds - wow!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcQZGmbLI7I/VHpw3CC7EcI/AAAAAAAAJCc/DYSEKARd9YQ/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcQZGmbLI7I/VHpw3CC7EcI/AAAAAAAAJCc/DYSEKARd9YQ/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B207.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/attractions-destinations/looking-glass-rock" target="_blank">Looking Glass Rock</a> is named for the reflective qualities of the huge rock face when wet</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDnYItEDYi8/VHpw2_ScPyI/AAAAAAAAJCY/WlJI4QorBGs/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDnYItEDYi8/VHpw2_ScPyI/AAAAAAAAJCY/WlJI4QorBGs/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B214.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knsUvY38Ens/VHpxJFoFtzI/AAAAAAAAJDA/CsZ7KKZeVLA/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knsUvY38Ens/VHpxJFoFtzI/AAAAAAAAJDA/CsZ7KKZeVLA/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B216.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Would love to<a href="http://www.romanticasheville.com/looking_glass.htm" target="_blank"> hike the trails</a> on this one - wish we'd had one more day...</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dJ8O-CFLPJY/VHpxGBxFTjI/AAAAAAAAJC4/VizfqAnLK0c/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dJ8O-CFLPJY/VHpxGBxFTjI/AAAAAAAAJC4/VizfqAnLK0c/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B240.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxhX3PehwbA/VHpxAiSTJ0I/AAAAAAAAJCw/LnrUOXRxAWw/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxhX3PehwbA/VHpxAiSTJ0I/AAAAAAAAJCw/LnrUOXRxAWw/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B313.JPG" height="235" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">approaching home, Waynesville was mobbed - is this normal?</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1GU-IkdNVmI/VHpxJqrHu3I/AAAAAAAAJDE/7dk8PIjI3Sg/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1GU-IkdNVmI/VHpxJqrHu3I/AAAAAAAAJDE/7dk8PIjI3Sg/s1600/2014-10-24%2BBlueRidge%2BNC%2BCherokee%2B314.JPG" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-32864622580768747112014-11-29T16:10:00.002-08:002014-11-29T16:10:38.495-08:002014-10-22 Green Mountain Resort, Lenoir NCThis little park we stayed at for 2 nights was quite nice. Nestled in a canyon with a stream serving as backdrop for most campsites, most sites also included a wooden deck with surrounding benches, table, and firepit. The park also has a very nice clubhouse, pool, lake, nature trail, and even a nice little waterfall! There were many permanents and seasonals (who could blame them?) but the sites appeared clean and well maintained. We wish we could have stayed for Halloween - many of the residents go above and beyond in decorating, and they have over 500 kids come in the park for trick-or-treating...that would have been fun! It is an Encore park but not an original Thousand Trails park, so not on our "free" list. But $10 per night with Coast-to-Coast was a great deal. We would stay here again if ever in the area.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIm1TAmjwS4/VHpdKn_GtJI/AAAAAAAAI-o/RrjbFtFSWwk/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIm1TAmjwS4/VHpdKn_GtJI/AAAAAAAAI-o/RrjbFtFSWwk/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B253.JPG" height="201" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGLNT5BIXAQ/VHpdeh9ySPI/AAAAAAAAI-w/zIo4uOl7On0/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGLNT5BIXAQ/VHpdeh9ySPI/AAAAAAAAI-w/zIo4uOl7On0/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B263.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">remodeled clubhouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1Jk5_biaEM/VHpdhALTYXI/AAAAAAAAI-4/_ZAXbysMaR0/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1Jk5_biaEM/VHpdhALTYXI/AAAAAAAAI-4/_ZAXbysMaR0/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B272.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nature trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55vbjx__k_g/VHpd3eVSkAI/AAAAAAAAI_I/vdYU40FVgiE/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55vbjx__k_g/VHpd3eVSkAI/AAAAAAAAI_I/vdYU40FVgiE/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B277.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lovely little waterfall on the nature trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7KqFitsg8o/VHpd6L9ckII/AAAAAAAAI_U/4oOLo3jjIIU/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7KqFitsg8o/VHpd6L9ckII/AAAAAAAAI_U/4oOLo3jjIIU/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B280.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our site with wooden deck backed up to the creek</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wT_cd5AXCt4/VHpd6JAyaTI/AAAAAAAAI_Q/8rdj-wj5AKM/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wT_cd5AXCt4/VHpd6JAyaTI/AAAAAAAAI_Q/8rdj-wj5AKM/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B255.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-31697596012989295742014-11-29T15:49:00.002-08:002014-11-29T15:49:44.782-08:002014-10-22 Linn Cove Viaduct, Linville Falls on the Blue Ridge ParkwayGreen Mountain Resort in Lenoir, NC was a good home base for exploring the Linnville Falls area of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was a short and pretty drive to the parkway, and in close proximity to three highlights, the Linn Cove Viaduct, Grandfather Mountain, and Linville Falls.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/attractions-destinations/linn-cove-viaduct" target="_blank">Linn Cove Viaduct</a> was the first of its kind built in the US. It was constructed to preserve the rugged terrain and though only a quarter-mile long, was an incredible feat, dubbed the most complicated bridge ever built. The visitor center was well worth the stop also. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CiMXuLS2RNc/VHpRDR4nHmI/AAAAAAAAI6g/jFzjQpzxAO4/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CiMXuLS2RNc/VHpRDR4nHmI/AAAAAAAAI6g/jFzjQpzxAO4/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B040.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer crossing in the morning</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EWP2yc4H-k/VHpRJ6xBBqI/AAAAAAAAI6w/fNm8CIWX9XI/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EWP2yc4H-k/VHpRJ6xBBqI/AAAAAAAAI6w/fNm8CIWX9XI/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B043.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooooh Aaaahhh</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0RUfCkl1so/VHpRFCP7slI/AAAAAAAAI6o/683-rOrqK0Y/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0RUfCkl1so/VHpRFCP7slI/AAAAAAAAI6o/683-rOrqK0Y/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B063.JPG" height="324" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Viaduct was constructed so that it would not interfere with the massive boulder formations on the rugged side of Grandfather Mountain</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUkBU2Hm3hA/VHpRRGGoz2I/AAAAAAAAI64/KfM9qEiPs88/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUkBU2Hm3hA/VHpRRGGoz2I/AAAAAAAAI64/KfM9qEiPs88/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B075.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love the photo on the mantel in the Viaduct visitor center, and it was very cold so the fireplace felt wonderful!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6f0FB0ajLrY/VHpRTVK241I/AAAAAAAAI7A/3rd0y8-rLKI/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6f0FB0ajLrY/VHpRTVK241I/AAAAAAAAI7A/3rd0y8-rLKI/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B086.JPG" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpZnlelU7nc/VHpRXNedLKI/AAAAAAAAI7I/tlYzOJSbB3s/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpZnlelU7nc/VHpRXNedLKI/AAAAAAAAI7I/tlYzOJSbB3s/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B087.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34iCl-QDjss/VHpRdVOCfxI/AAAAAAAAI7Q/R-qCcp-EnX4/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34iCl-QDjss/VHpRdVOCfxI/AAAAAAAAI7Q/R-qCcp-EnX4/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B091.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tfgz8e6dPmk/VHpRohDSLjI/AAAAAAAAI7g/shf_H5-zfsA/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tfgz8e6dPmk/VHpRohDSLjI/AAAAAAAAI7g/shf_H5-zfsA/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B094.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The drive up <a href="http://www.visitnc.com/listing/grandfather-mountain" target="_blank">Grandfather Mountain</a> is usually $20 (which I may not have been willing to pay anyway) but alas, the drive to the top was closed due to the cloud cover and high winds. But...they were allowing people to drive half way up, to their gift shop, for half price! Wow, only $10 to visit your gift shop, with no view of the mountain? Hmmm.....thanks, I'll pass. If I were going to spend the whole day hiking the trails and walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge on a clear day, maybe the $20 would be worth it, but we did not have a whole day to spend in one place.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qEu0SqFb-5k/VHpRduaJSBI/AAAAAAAAI7U/0ScljsfG0Gk/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qEu0SqFb-5k/VHpRduaJSBI/AAAAAAAAI7U/0ScljsfG0Gk/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B106.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--v3hy1FGvMk/VHpRtTNejjI/AAAAAAAAI7w/hjkpKSau-VU/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--v3hy1FGvMk/VHpRtTNejjI/AAAAAAAAI7w/hjkpKSau-VU/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B107.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looks like they found some folks willing to pay $10 to see their gift shop!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4CLEf2y0VmQ/VHpRqnSU6WI/AAAAAAAAI7o/PrCnzV0nuHU/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4CLEf2y0VmQ/VHpRqnSU6WI/AAAAAAAAI7o/PrCnzV0nuHU/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B112.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandfather mountain under clouds</td></tr>
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Continuing south on the parkway, a must-see is Linnville Falls, and it's FREE! There are multiple trails to choose from; the more difficult and steep trails go to the bottom of the falls. We took the easy trails, to the Upper Falls Overlook and Chimney View.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SC5OxUWBUCY/VHpSG4BamDI/AAAAAAAAI78/iAJcBHis-_U/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SC5OxUWBUCY/VHpSG4BamDI/AAAAAAAAI78/iAJcBHis-_U/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B148.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WnEAp5uS36I/VHpSKcknflI/AAAAAAAAI8I/M0DbycKVUnw/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WnEAp5uS36I/VHpSKcknflI/AAAAAAAAI8I/M0DbycKVUnw/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B168.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MMZOtUvSMzQ/VHpSGjZWllI/AAAAAAAAI74/vF8_-JBke6o/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MMZOtUvSMzQ/VHpSGjZWllI/AAAAAAAAI74/vF8_-JBke6o/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B173.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fall colors along the trail</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qr0ULYlCarQ/VHpSjH4fw3I/AAAAAAAAI8c/7KttAg_6iOk/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qr0ULYlCarQ/VHpSjH4fw3I/AAAAAAAAI8c/7KttAg_6iOk/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B176.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2mqELnTXvmY/VHpSiyb2PbI/AAAAAAAAI8Y/F7NOpV6NVJs/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2mqELnTXvmY/VHpSiyb2PbI/AAAAAAAAI8Y/F7NOpV6NVJs/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B178.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeTc7ePHC_4/VHpSZDrfFBI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/ZybOcWA-tUo/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeTc7ePHC_4/VHpSZDrfFBI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/ZybOcWA-tUo/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B181.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at Chimney View</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XhEIiuVGsQE/VHpSvJ_iKwI/AAAAAAAAI8o/kORDHXvKn5w/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XhEIiuVGsQE/VHpSvJ_iKwI/AAAAAAAAI8o/kORDHXvKn5w/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B184.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's the chimney, which shoots water upwards</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-URDNpr_UXTY/VHpS6OtoTDI/AAAAAAAAI84/KmQXaNZZasU/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-URDNpr_UXTY/VHpS6OtoTDI/AAAAAAAAI84/KmQXaNZZasU/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B188.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking downstream from the chimney</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ywnb5dnXU1g/VHpS3_xnPWI/AAAAAAAAI8w/nI7tQkWcH_k/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ywnb5dnXU1g/VHpS3_xnPWI/AAAAAAAAI8w/nI7tQkWcH_k/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B190.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chimney View</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yOuWqY3LbOQ/VHpTKeVXG0I/AAAAAAAAI9A/wKjzgxEROKA/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yOuWqY3LbOQ/VHpTKeVXG0I/AAAAAAAAI9A/wKjzgxEROKA/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B192.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Li42wreIvHg/VHpTQ-XJYAI/AAAAAAAAI9I/0irPvs-faa8/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Li42wreIvHg/VHpTQ-XJYAI/AAAAAAAAI9I/0irPvs-faa8/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B193.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8XQaQNm__s/VHpTTDK7jII/AAAAAAAAI9Q/tRnNDckKCb4/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8XQaQNm__s/VHpTTDK7jII/AAAAAAAAI9Q/tRnNDckKCb4/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B203.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at Upper Falls Overlook</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P07619gIvFI/VHpTkBykX2I/AAAAAAAAI9Y/JMjcfk8uY3k/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P07619gIvFI/VHpTkBykX2I/AAAAAAAAI9Y/JMjcfk8uY3k/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B204.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Falls</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6yXdgEFYuw/VHpTrSP3BWI/AAAAAAAAI9o/4GV1zp2lzlQ/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6yXdgEFYuw/VHpTrSP3BWI/AAAAAAAAI9o/4GV1zp2lzlQ/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B205.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mA3yYpFaVwU/VHpTn1oW7SI/AAAAAAAAI9g/aoB2C_1SbzU/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mA3yYpFaVwU/VHpTn1oW7SI/AAAAAAAAI9g/aoB2C_1SbzU/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B209.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txojuj9ExQM/VHpUEqSv4EI/AAAAAAAAI-I/y6slNI9kPHU/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txojuj9ExQM/VHpUEqSv4EI/AAAAAAAAI-I/y6slNI9kPHU/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B215.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ysH7tagi4bY/VHpT5q-H_FI/AAAAAAAAI94/okDj8QHIv9s/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ysH7tagi4bY/VHpT5q-H_FI/AAAAAAAAI94/okDj8QHIv9s/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B224.JPG" height="216" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more fall colors as we head southwards on the parkway</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwa5PQ7i77c/VHpT2rYCM0I/AAAAAAAAI9w/mvxAt-bnhlo/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwa5PQ7i77c/VHpT2rYCM0I/AAAAAAAAI9w/mvxAt-bnhlo/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B233.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yh-iVgNW8pk/VHpUDaz_udI/AAAAAAAAI-A/PC378yN1-8E/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yh-iVgNW8pk/VHpUDaz_udI/AAAAAAAAI-A/PC378yN1-8E/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B234.JPG" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHCaK3asoRs/VHpUJZetlbI/AAAAAAAAI-Q/CACz3EEIKgk/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHCaK3asoRs/VHpUJZetlbI/AAAAAAAAI-Q/CACz3EEIKgk/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B237.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of wonderful vistas along the way</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SFNjljNes-w/VHpUKtab7aI/AAAAAAAAI-Y/wWxlOY-scJA/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SFNjljNes-w/VHpUKtab7aI/AAAAAAAAI-Y/wWxlOY-scJA/s1600/2014-10-22%2BBlueRidgePkwy%2BLinville%2B244.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Road worsens beyond truck ramp" - they weren't kidding! The little road we took off the parkway was horrendously steep and windy - completely unfit for an RV. Thank goodness we were without the rig.</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-77093124712437082592014-11-29T13:50:00.000-08:002014-11-29T13:50:33.698-08:002014-10-21 from Shenandoah to Lenoir, NCWe knew we would not have time to drive the entire Blue Ridge Parkway (35 mph slow and scenic), so we reserved nice Coast-to-Coast parks ($10 per night - yeah!) which are nearby, allowing us to unhook the rig and take the truck on select portions of the scenic drive. <br />
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We made our way from Shenandoah, VA to Lenoir, NC expediantly via Interstate 84, parellelling about 300 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway; skies looked stormy but no rain.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite sign in Shenandoah</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">leaving in the morning, some final views from Skyline Drive</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">stormy skies</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virginia farmland and fall colors</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-26567217191630105802014-11-29T13:23:00.001-08:002014-11-29T13:23:31.025-08:002014-10-20 Late afternoon hike of Dark Hollow Falls<a href="http://virginiatrailguide.com/2009/05/03/dark-hollow-falls/" target="_blank">Dark Hollow Falls</a> was listed as one of the most popular in the park; it is out-and-back, going down down down and the return trip is all UP. Very short at 1.5 miles round trip, but I definitely wouldn't call it "easy" (granted I had already hiked over 5 miles, so perhaps my legs were getting tired). Gary didn't like this one much (he was tired on the way down!), and I saw many people who were going to have a really hard time getting back up the hill. <br />
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Note to self: Next time in Shenandoah, I absolutely must hike <a href="http://www.everytrail.com/guide/old-rag-mountain-shenandoah-national-park" target="_blank">Old Rag</a>, which is <em>the</em> trail to do in Shenandoah. There's rock scrambling, lots of views, an exposed granite summit...sounds like a blast. Gary wasn't too enthusiastic about a big hike, plus it does not start from Skyline drive but rather from the valley to the east, so we tabled that one.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary's taking a break on the way down</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">still more down</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">way down the hill, finally at the "top" of the falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of the hillside, a little fall color</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the lady being helped down the trail...UP is gonna be tough</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of the falls - this is where most folks turn around</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">still further down</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I believe this is a Garden Orb Weaver Spider - nearly the size of a golf ball!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-47285358736114558372014-11-29T12:24:00.001-08:002014-11-30T06:45:39.556-08:002014-10-20 Hiking (and a little rock scramble) in Shenandoah With the battery situation all good, we had one day remaining to explore Shenandoah. There's only so much scenic driving I can handle - I gotta get out and hike! The weather was nice, a bit chilly but crystal clear blue skies. In the early morning, we went on a short hike called Bearfence Mountain Rock Scramble, maybe 1.5 miles with one of the best views in Shenandoah. (Note: not a hike for those afraid of heights or unsteady on their feet.) What fun...I really love this stuff!<br />
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On the way back to the campground, Gary dropped me off at Milam Gap trailhead so I could hike a bit more of the AT - I hiked Milam Gap to Lewis Falls and then home to Big Meadow campground - about 3.5 miles. Saw several deer, and met some nice folks at the falls. Because so much foliage had been stripped from the trees, the trails provided nice views out across the valley and the surrounding hillsides. The AT meanders easily along ridges, but Lewis Falls is steep with switchbacks going down from the south side, and same thing going up the north side - doesn't matter which trail you take, both the north and south approaches are steep. Ran into a family going down with kids and the adults did not appear to be in very good shape - I think they might have a hard time coming back up - they were already tired having gone only 1/4 of the way down.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice views and some remaining fall color</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lewis Falls - would be much more impressive after a big rain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hang on to that rail - very slippery!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More nice views on the way back up from the falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a little snake who posed for a close-up</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saw two young bucks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">much more interested in each other than me</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oh....I didn't see you there!</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-25358447377609939152014-11-28T17:39:00.002-08:002014-11-28T17:39:46.308-08:002014-10-19 Woops - dead batteries - back down the mountain!We had arrived in Shenandoah, unhooked the truck and found our RV batteries to be dead - so completely drained that the hydraulics would not lift the rig up high enough to hook back up! So, back down the windy steep drive to the valley with the truck for new batteries. That's how we spent Sunday - but really, not so bad of a drive. We were there to enjoy see the scenery and explore Skyline Drive, after all...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little bit of fall colors left...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">coming up...the tunnel which caused us to do a 50 mile detour</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nice view!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tunnel clearance 12'8"...our rig height 12'8"; too close to chance it, though the ranger at check-in says "hey, I got a secret for you...the tunnel height at the center is actually 17ft....well that's great if we can drive down the center line!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tower at Luray Caverns</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c-D-gC9HLPE/VHkdadoTGWI/AAAAAAAAIvI/VYIoMERuy6A/s1600/IMG_6856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c-D-gC9HLPE/VHkdadoTGWI/AAAAAAAAIvI/VYIoMERuy6A/s1600/IMG_6856.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">passing through Luray VA to the Tractor Supply Co to buy batteries for the RV</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gMr7GJSudTc/VHkdlNjnx7I/AAAAAAAAIvc/ZV3x4PHFTWA/s1600/IMG_6876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gMr7GJSudTc/VHkdlNjnx7I/AAAAAAAAIvc/ZV3x4PHFTWA/s1600/IMG_6876.JPG" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back on Skyline Drive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1RAVeVSaaE/VHkd9uV_yjI/AAAAAAAAIwA/Ns5J1BMqUKY/s1600/IMG_6888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1RAVeVSaaE/VHkd9uV_yjI/AAAAAAAAIwA/Ns5J1BMqUKY/s1600/IMG_6888.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and the views are spectacular</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandfather Mountain, can you see grandfather's face on the mountain?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bU-ldQI28AY/VHkd3wW--LI/AAAAAAAAIv4/bkz8zWBSowM/s1600/IMG_6917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bU-ldQI28AY/VHkd3wW--LI/AAAAAAAAIv4/bkz8zWBSowM/s1600/IMG_6917.JPG" height="183" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">such a beautiful blue sky day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7SHe70FtwM/VHkeG8QtowI/AAAAAAAAIwQ/vt5XKtzgGoQ/s1600/IMG_6937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7SHe70FtwM/VHkeG8QtowI/AAAAAAAAIwQ/vt5XKtzgGoQ/s1600/IMG_6937.JPG" height="174" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the fall colors are just past peak</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lots of weekenders filling up the parking at the view points</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LcaoI8AUAs/VHkefo1lzuI/AAAAAAAAIw0/kuGmAkJ8bvc/s1600/IMG_6969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LcaoI8AUAs/VHkefo1lzuI/AAAAAAAAIw0/kuGmAkJ8bvc/s1600/IMG_6969.JPG" height="222" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer are plentiful, and not shy</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-4400729113056864342014-11-28T17:01:00.001-08:002014-11-28T17:01:20.111-08:002014-10-18 3 Nights at Shenandoah National ParkWe arrived in early evening, and there was just enough time for a little 2 mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. I was treated to an incredible view across the valley with sunlight streaming through the clouds, it was ethereal and beautiful. That torrential rain and wind storm which had kept us an extra night in Sturbridge MA had stripped most of the color from the trees in Shenandoah. But the lack of leaves allowed for incredible views across the mountains and valley. So, a silver lining.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving on a Saturday, plenty of weekend business</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vH70y9-EVYg/VHkTqkbirzI/AAAAAAAAIsw/SJLXzmQ5DnI/s1600/IMG_6728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vH70y9-EVYg/VHkTqkbirzI/AAAAAAAAIsw/SJLXzmQ5DnI/s1600/IMG_6728.JPG" height="182" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yBDkSZ8MUBg/VHkTnEibpBI/AAAAAAAAIsg/R-kgim2N15Q/s1600/IMG_6732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yBDkSZ8MUBg/VHkTnEibpBI/AAAAAAAAIsg/R-kgim2N15Q/s1600/IMG_6732.JPG" height="200" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Meadows campgound was full - thank goodness for reservations!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfuP42OJjaU/VHkTnY7AOkI/AAAAAAAAIsk/W-uQf4YQKYg/s1600/IMG_6735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfuP42OJjaU/VHkTnY7AOkI/AAAAAAAAIsk/W-uQf4YQKYg/s1600/IMG_6735.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never saw a bear...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1d83UjHdYdc/VHkUBKvj10I/AAAAAAAAItI/omLHMNVJt-U/s1600/IMG_6736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1d83UjHdYdc/VHkUBKvj10I/AAAAAAAAItI/omLHMNVJt-U/s1600/IMG_6736.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">but saw lots of deer!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ptQTjL5pFc/VHkT6-nPfAI/AAAAAAAAIs4/2EPqROFRYHU/s1600/IMG_6739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ptQTjL5pFc/VHkT6-nPfAI/AAAAAAAAIs4/2EPqROFRYHU/s1600/IMG_6739.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo makes me laugh - reminds me of the dog breaking wind and then...what...huh..what was THAT!?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our spot at Big Meadows</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpdAL8i-H9Q/VHkUfGBl9FI/AAAAAAAAItg/_iu2dVQChbQ/s1600/IMG_6741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpdAL8i-H9Q/VHkUfGBl9FI/AAAAAAAAItg/_iu2dVQChbQ/s1600/IMG_6741.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A really nice paved pad and woods around us</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading for the AT which passes nearby the ampitheater</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trees nearly completely stripped of foliage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TGqWNmOiNUo/VHkVGZiwTGI/AAAAAAAAIuA/hAtiRSe9pDg/s1600/IMG_6749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TGqWNmOiNUo/VHkVGZiwTGI/AAAAAAAAIuA/hAtiRSe9pDg/s1600/IMG_6749.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the lodge at Shenandoah</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cls_yEZRYa4/VHkVTdGoNII/AAAAAAAAIuQ/IwBZkaFy-d8/s1600/IMG_6750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cls_yEZRYa4/VHkVTdGoNII/AAAAAAAAIuQ/IwBZkaFy-d8/s1600/IMG_6750.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">continuing thru the woods</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">to an amazing view across the valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wow, breathless</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpTtqKuBNms/VHkVbGCASJI/AAAAAAAAIug/3dQZeznC2vk/s1600/IMG_6780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpTtqKuBNms/VHkVbGCASJI/AAAAAAAAIug/3dQZeznC2vk/s1600/IMG_6780.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I passed this trail intersection 2 days later on another hike - all the leaves were gone</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-11140457834998437212014-11-28T15:45:00.001-08:002014-11-28T15:45:27.232-08:002014-10-17 Making tracks from Sturbridge, MA to Shenandoah National Park, VAAfter the storm, we had fantastic blue skies and dry roads for making our way to Shenandoah. There were fabulous fall colors through Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania. Then it was a very short drive through itty bitty pieces of Maryland and West Virginia and we've arrived in Virginia. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fall colors in Connecticut</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again crossing the Hudson River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">really?</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5385629820077536652.post-76173830592953621122014-11-28T15:03:00.002-08:002014-11-28T15:03:35.787-08:002014-10-15 On the road again - from ME to MAWe headed out early on a dreary morning, from Bar Harbor, Maine to Sturbridge, Massachussetts. There was lots of fall color, and also lots of traffic. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey skies for our morning take-off</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still lots of fall colors</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really like The Love Barn in Orland Maine near Bucksport</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and Treasures and Trash Barn in Searsport Maine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall colors passing through Belfast</td></tr>
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We made it to our Thousand Trails park in Sturbridge with only a couple of scary incidents. We had reserved only one night there as a stopover - but watching the weather, we realized the next day would be horrendous on the road - heavy downpours through major downtown areas and heavy traffic - very hazardous and they were warning people to stay off the highways. So we extended one extra night in Sturbridge and waited out the pouring driving rain. It was a nice little park with a trail around the lake and marsh area. a nice clubhouse, indoor pool and hot tub. Along the trail, the pines were interspersed with brilliant gold and red.<br />
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